Emergent properties for data distribution in a cognitive MAS

Abstract

Emergence is a key element in the research of multi-agent systems. Emergent properties provide higher level features to a system formed of simpler individuals. So far, emergence has been studied mostly through systems formed of reactive agents - that are easier to design and implement. As computational power increases and even small devices become more capable, cognitive agents become a promising solution for more complex problems. This paper presents a multi-agent system that uses cognitive agents and that is designed to manifest emergent properties: a data storage system that assures distribution and replication of data as emergent properties, without the need for these features to be controlled in a centralized way.