Multi-Agent Programming Languages, Platforms and Applications

Multi-Agent Programming is an essential reference for anyone interested in the most up-to-date developments in MAS programming. While previous research has focused on the development of formal and informal approaches to analyze and specify Multi-Agent Systems, this book focuses on the development of programming languages and tools which not only support MAS programming, but also implement key concepts of MAS in a unified framework.

Part I describes approaches that rely on computational logic or process algebra – Jason, 3APL, IMPACT, and CLAIM/SyMPA. Part II presents languages and platforms that extend or are based on Java – JADE, Jadex and JACK^TM. Part III provides two significant industry specific applications – The DEFACTO System for coordinating human-agent teams for disaster response, and the ARTIMIS rational dialogue agent technology. Also featured are seven appendices for quick reference and comparison.

List of Figures Contributing Authors Preface Foreword Acknowledgments Part I Logic- or Process Algebra-based Programming Languages Jason and the Golden Fleece of Agent-Oriented Programming, Rafael H. Bordini, Jomi F. Hübner and Renata Vieira Programming Multi-Agent Systems in 3APL, Mehdi Dastani, M. Birna van Riemsdijk and John-Jules Ch. Meyer IMPACT: A Multi-Agent Framework with Declarative Semantics, Jürgen Dix and Yingqian Zhang CLAIM and SyMPA: A Programming Environment for Intelligent and Mobile Agents, Amal El Fallah Seghruochni and Alexandru Suna Part II Java-Based Agent Programming Languages JADE - A Java Agent Development Framework, Fabio Bellifemine, Federico Bergenti, Giovanni Caire and Agostino Poggi Jadex: A BDI Reasoning Engine, Alexander Pokahr, Lars Braubach and Winfried Lamersdorf JACKTM Intelligent Agents: An Industrial Strength Platform, Michael Winikoff Part III Industrial-Strength Applications The DEFACTO System: Coordinating Human-Agent Teams for the Future of Disaster Response, N. Schurr, J. Marecki, J.P. Lewis, M. Tambe and P. Scerri ARTIMIS Rational Dialogue Agent Technology, David Sadek Summaries for Quick Reference and Comparison Appendix A: Comparison Criteria Appendix B: Jason Summary Appendix C: 3APL Summary Appendix D: IMPACT Summary Appendix E: CLAIMSummary Appendix F: JADE Summary Appendix G: Jadex Summary Appendix H: JACK Summary References Index