42045 - Self-Organizing Agent Systems (SAA) [UB]

Autonomic Computing is an initiative started by IBM in 2001. Its ultimate aim is to create self-managing computer systems to overcome their rapidly growing complexity and to enable their further growth. This course approaches this area from the Multi-Agent Systems and Self-Organization point of view:

• A multi-agent system is one composed of multiple interacting software components known as agents, which are typically capable of cooperating to solve problems that are beyond the abilities of any individual member.
• Self-organization is a process in which the internal organization of a system, normally an open system, increases in complexity without being guided or managed by an outside source.

The main objective of this course is to provide an insight of the autonomic capabilities of different multi-agent systems. As a result, students will acquire the capability to discern what applications are suitable for applying open agent-oriented solutions, and how these solutions can adapt to eventual changes automatically.

Simulations and multiagent systems will be implemented in order to explore different application case studies. Most coursework is to be carried out in pairs, although some individual work will also be required.