Plan-based replication for fault-tolerant multi-agent systems

International audienceThe growing importance of multi-agent applications and the need for a higher quality of service in these systems justify the increasing interest in fault-tolerant multi-agent systems. In this article, we propose an original method for providing dependability in multi-agent systems through replication. Our method is different from other works because our research focuses on building an automatic, adaptive and predictive replication policy where critical agents are replicated to avoid failures. This policy is determined by taking into account the criticality of the plans of the agents, which contain the collective and individual behaviors of the agents in the application. The set of replication strategies applied at a given moment to an agent is then fine-tuned gradually by the replication system so as to reflect the dynamicity of the multi-agent system

Towards Fault-Tolerant Massively Multiagent Systems

In order to construct and deploy massively multiagent systems, we must address one of the fundamental issues of distributed systems, the possibility of partial failures. In this paper, we discuss the issues and propose an approach for fault-tolerance of massively multiagent systems. The starting idea is the application of replication strategies to agents. As criticality of agents may evolve during the course of computation and problem solving, and as resources are bounded, we need to dynamically and automatically adapt the number of replicas of agents, in order to maximize their reliability and availability. We will describe our approach and related mechanisms for evaluating the criticality of a given agent and how to parameterize it (e.g., number of replicas). We also will report on experiments conducted with our prototype architecture (named DarX)

3D-in-2D Displays for ATC.

This paper reports on the efforts and accomplishments of the 3D-in-2D Displays for ATC project at the end of Year 1. We describe the invention of 10 novel 3D/2D visualisations that were mostly implemented in the Augmented Reality ARToolkit. These prototype implementations of visualisation and interaction elements can be viewed on the accompanying video. We have identified six candidate design concepts which we will further research and develop. These designs correspond with the early feasibility studies stage of maturity as defined by the NASA Technology Readiness Level framework. We developed the Combination Display Framework from a review of the literature, and used it for analysing display designs in terms of display technique used and how they are combined. The insights we gained from this framework then guided our inventions and the human-centered innovation process we use to iteratively invent. Our designs are based on an understanding of user work practices. We also developed a simple ATC simulator that we used for rapid experimentation and evaluation of design ideas. We expect that if this project continues, the effort in Year 2 and 3 will be focus on maturing the concepts and employment in a operational laboratory settings