An Introduction To Multiagent Systems

Multiagent systems represent a new way of conceptualising and implementing distributed software. An Introduction to MultiAgent Systems is the first modern textbook on this important topic. It provides a comprehensive introduction to intelligent agents and multiagent systems. The book assumes no specialist knowledge. It introduces the idea of agents as software systems that can act autonomously, and leads the reader through a detailed discussion of: ways that agents can be built how agents can reach agreements the languages that agents can use to communicate with one-another co-operation and co-ordination in agent systems and the applications of agent technology. Designed and written specifically for undergraduates and computing professionals, the book is supported by extensive online teaching resources, including a complete set of lecture slides. Illustrated with many informal examples, and packed with more than 500 references, An Introduction to MultiAgent Systems is a must-read for students and practitioners of agent systems alike. Cover......Page 1 Contents......Page 8 Preface......Page 12 Introduction......Page 20 Intelligent Agents......Page 34 Deductive Reasoning Agents......Page 66 Practical Reasoning Agents......Page 84 Reactive and Hybrid Agents......Page 108 Multiagent Interactions......Page 124 Reaching Agreements......Page 148 Communication......Page 182 Working Together......Page 208 Methodologies......Page 244 Applications......Page 264 Logics for Multiagent Systems......Page 286 Appendix A - A History Lesson......Page 322 Afterword......Page 336 References......Page 338 Index......Page 362 BackCover......Page 368 A multi-agent system (MAS) is a distributed computing system with autonomous interacting intelligent agents that coordinate their actions so as to achieve its goal(s) jointly or competitively. This book is designed for use as a course text for an undergraduate/graduate course on multi-agent systems. This book will introduce students to intelligent agents, explain what these agents are, how they are constructed and how they can be made to co-operate effectively with one another in large-scale systems Michael Wooldridge. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.