Fuzzy Modeling of Multi-Agent Systems Behavior. Vagueness Minimization

Holonic manufacturing aims to design standardized, modular manufacturing systems made of interchangeable parts, to enable flexibility and self-organizing capabilities for the production systems. Recent advances in Distributed Artificial Intelligence and Networking Technologies have proven that the theoretical Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) concepts are very suitable for the real life implementation of holonic concepts. Building on our recent results in the design and implementation of holonic reconfiguring architectures, this paper introduces a novel approach to the self-organization of distributed systems. First, by using fuzzy sets and measures theoretical concepts, we construct a mathematical foundation for modeling MAS. Then, by minimizing the vagueness facet of uncertainty in the information dealt with by the MAS, appropriate holonic structures emerge for each particular application. This approach opens new possibilities for the design of any distributed system that needs self-organization as an intrinsic property.