Multiple, Simultaneous Autonomy Levels for Agent-based Systems

Agent-based technology can provide increased flexibility for automated manufacturing systems if agents are designed to modify their problem-solving interaction styles to best fit their situations. These interaction styles are described by agent autonomy levels, which are assigned to goals an agent intends to achieve. This paper explores the implications of applying Dynamic Adaptive Autonomy to individual goals within an agent, allowing that agent to achieve multiple, simultaneous levels of dynamic autonomy during system operation.