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Carnegie Mellon Robotics Institute

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Abstract

In this paper we define the notions of agent matchmaking and brokering behaviors that are used while processing requests among initially unacquainted sets of agents. These behaviors are basic components of common organizational roles and thus must be understood by computational agents. Brokering and matchmaking behaviors can be used to construct organizational forms such as centralized or distributed markets, ad hoc teams, and bureaucratic functional or product hierarchies. Each behavior brings with it certain performance characteristics -- cost, robustness, and adaptiveness qualities -- that are related to characteristics of the external environment and of the agents themselves. For example, while brokered systems are more vulnerable to certain failures, they are also able to cope more quickly with a rapidly fluctuating agent workforce. We present several agent design constraints and related models, which are experimentally validated using the WARREN multi-agent portfolio management system.

Keywords

Organization and Social Structures, Communication Issues and Protocols

Notes

Text Reference

Katia Sycara, K. Decker, and M. Williamson, "Matchmaking and Brokering," Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Multi-Agent Systems, 1996.

BibTeX Reference

@inproceedings{Sycara_1996_2176,
   author = "Katia Sycara and K. Decker and M. Williamson",
   title = "Matchmaking and Brokering",
   booktitle = "Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Multi-Agent Systems",
   year = "1996",
}

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