PRESENTAZIONE

Multiagent systems (MASs) have emerged as one of the most important areas of research and development in information technology. A MAS is composed of multiple interacting software components (agents) capable of cooperating to solve problems that are beyond the abilities of any individual member.

This course will introduce the students to the notion of an agent, and will lead them to understanding what an agent is, how they can be constructed, how agents can be made to cooperate effectively.

OBIETTIVI E CONTENUTI

OBIETTIVI FORMATIVI

The aims of this course are:
-- to introduce the student to the concept of an agent and multiagent system, and the main applications for which they are appropriate;
-- to introduce the main issues surrounding the design of intelligent autonomous agents, and the main approaches and techniques for the implementation of such agents;
-- to introduce the main issues surrounding the design of multiagent systems, and the main approaches and techniques for enabling communication and cooperation in such systems.

Upon completing this course, a student will:
-- understand the notion of an agent, how agents are distinct from other software paradigms (e.g., objects), and understand the characteristics of applications that lend themselves to an agent-oriented solution;
-- understand the key issues associated with constructing agents capable of intelligent autonomous action, and the main approaches taken to developing such agents;
-- understand the key issues and approaches to high-level communication in multiagent systems;
-- understand the main application areas of agent-based solutions.

MODALITA' DIDATTICHE

Traditional: frontal lessons and laboratories

PROGRAMMA/CONTENUTO

Introduction to agents and MASs
-- What is an agent, what is a MAS
-- History of agents and MASs
-- Agent-oriented software engineering

Communication as action
-- Foundations of the speech acts theory
-- Issues in communication
            
Agent-oriented programming (AOP): the foundations              
-- Jason
            
Agent-based modeling and simulation
-- NetLogo

MAS infrastructures         
-- JADE

Distributed AI: some classical issues 
-- Uninformed search
-- Informed search
-- Planning

DOCENTI E COMMISSIONI

Commissione d'esame

VIVIANA MASCARDI (Presidente)

GIORGIO DELZANNO

FILIPPO RICCA

LEZIONI

ESAMI

MODALITA' D'ESAME

The course will be assessed through a written exam and an individual assignment.

Calendario appelli