The study of multi-agent systems (MAS) focuses on systems in which many intelligent agents interact with each
other. These agents are considered to be autonomous entities such as software programs or robots. Their interactions
can either be cooperative (for example as in an ant colony) or selfish (as in a free market economy). This book
assumes only basic knowledge of algorithms and discrete maths, both of which are taught as standard in the first
or second year of computer science degree programmes. A basic knowledge of artificial intelligence would useful
to help understand some of the issues, but is not essential.
The book�s main aims are:
To introduce the student to the concept of agents and multi-agent systems, and the main applications for which
they are appropriate
To introduce the main issues surrounding the design of intelligent agents
To introduce the main issues surrounding the design of a multi-agent society
To introduce a number of typical applications for agent technology