A multi-agent system for executing group tasks

Abstract

We have developed a multi-agent system to support the robust execution of group tasks by simulated vehicles or future unmanned systems. The system supports the dynamic creation of new groups for a specific task, using a co-ordination strategy appropriate for the task. The system includes a specialised user agent that provides an interface to a human controller. The user treats the system as providing a 'pool' of capabilities that can be tasked to achieve the user's goals. The user may specify multi-phase missions that the system must attempt to complete and additionally can direct the system to undertake extra tasks that may remove assets from the main mission. The group plan execution framework allows the agents to re-organise to match the user's requests.