The backbone of the research activity concerns agents and
Multi-Agent Systems as a paradigm for computer programming
and the engineering of software systems. This activity is
articulated along three main topics:
- agent-oriented computational models, languages and technologies
for computer programming and software engineering
- coordination models, languages and infrastructures for
multi-agent system coordination
- application of previous models and technologies to the
development of SOA (Service-Oriented Architecture) systems based on
Web Services, smart mobile applications, autonomic systems
exhibiting self-* properties.
Aside to this main line, part of the research activity is devoted
to agent-based modelling and simulation, i.e. the investigation of
agents and multi-agent systems as an approach for modelling and
simulating complex systems.
The background context of the research activity concerns the
investigation of high-level programming paradigms for the design
and development of concurrent/distributed/decentralized software
systems, featuring some degree of reactiveness, autonomy,
adaptivity. To this end, the research activity is focussed on
agents and multi-agent systems, and in particular on agent-oriented
programming, as a novel general-purpose programming paradigm for
developing software systems. The objective of the activity is
the definition of agent-oriented programming languages and
related technologies (platforms, infrastructures, tools), to
be applied for the engineering of concurrent/distributed
applications in relevant ICT domains.
Other ongoing related activities include:
- High-level environment-based coordination models and
infrastructures for multi-agent systems, in particular for systems
of cognitive software agents based on the BDI
(Belief-Desire-Intention) model.
- Models, theories and frameworks about the intelligent use of the
environments by cognitive software agents based on the BDI
model.
