Hybrid Multi-agent Systems: Integrating Swarming and BDI Agents

H. Van Dyke Parunak, Paul Nielsen, Sven Brueckner, Rafael Alonso

Abstract: The individual agents that interact in a multi-agent system typically exist along a continuum ranging from heavyweight cognitive agents (often of the “BDI” type) to lightweight agents with limited individual processing (digital ants). Most systems use agents from a single position along this spectrum. We have successfully implemented several systems in which agents of very different degrees of internal sophistication interact with one another. Based on this experience, we identify several different ways in which agents of different kinds can be integrated in a single system, and offer observations and lessons from our experiences.