Design,implementation and run-time evolution of a mission-based multiagent system

Abstract

In this paper, we present our approach to developing a multiagent system based on the proposed concept of the mission. The mission is a high-level abstraction that combines the overall goal of a system, the means and the process of achieving that goal, and is the basis from which agents can be automatically generated. We propose a mechanism to generate agents on-demand and at run-time based on a given mission. Run-time mission evolution is systematically captured and maintained, allowing the mission to be suspended and resumed at a later stage at the same or different locations. We report on the theory, algorithm, implementation and experimental results of our research.