Multiagent Compromise via Negotiation

Abstract

Much of the work in DAI has dealt with agents that cooperate to achieve common high level goals. Our research deals with situations where cooperative behavior cannot be assumed and resolution of ensuing conflicts is necessary. Conflict resolution is achieved through direct negotiation among the interacting agents or through a third party, the mediator. We present a general negotiation model that handles multiagent, multiple-issue, single or repeated encounters based on integration of case-based reasoning and multiattribute utility theory. The negotiation model is implemented in a computer program, the PERSUADER, that resolves labor management disputes.