Run-time Norms Synthesis in Multi-Objective Multi-Agent Systems

TL;DR

This paper introduces a utility-based norm synthesis model for multi-agent systems that enables agents to autonomously evaluate and adopt norms at run-time, balancing multiple conflicting objectives.

Contribution

It presents a novel utility-based case-based reasoning approach for centralized run-time norm synthesis in multi-agent systems with conflicting objectives.

Findings

Effective in optimizing multiple objectives

Enables autonomous norm adoption decisions

Validated in a two roads intersection scenario

Abstract

Norms represent behavioural aspects that are encouraged by a social group of agents or the majority of agents in a system. Normative systems enable coordinating synthesised norms of heterogeneous agents in complex multi-agent systems autonomously. In real applications, agents have multiple objectives that may contradict each other or contradict the synthesised norms. Therefore, agents need a mechanism to understand the impact of a suggested norm on their objectives and decide whether or not to adopt it. To address these challenges, a utility based norm synthesis (UNS) model is proposed which allows the agents to coordinate their behaviour while achieving their conflicting objectives. UNS proposes a utility-based case-based reasoning technique, using case-based reasoning for run-time norm synthesising in a centralised approach, and a utility function derived from the objectives of the system and its operating agents to decide whether or not to adopt a norm. The model is evaluated using a two intersecting roads scenario and the results show its efficacy to optimise multiple objectives while adopting synthesised norms.