Target Actions

The TF3 group on ENV builds upon of the successful TF2 group on ENV in Ljubljana. The open discussions in Ljubljana resulted in a number of significant insights in the relatively unexplored domain of environments for multiagent systems, for an overview consult the TF2 website.

The first action for the TF3 group is to organize discussion sessions on a number of topical research issues that directly or indirectly resulted from the discussions in Ljubljana. Planned discussion topics are:
  • Definition, scope and models of environments;
  • Opportunities of environments in multiagent systems;
  • Relationship application domains and environments;
  • Environment and rational agents: cognitive perception and use of the environment;
  • Engineering of environments;
  • Multiagent systems applications with an explicit notion of environments.
Focusing on a number of actual research topics also accommodates the expectations expressed by several attendees of the first TFG on ENV in Ljubljana. In line with the first TFG on ENV, we plan a short talk per research topic to encourage the discussion sessions.

The second action of the TF3 group is to discuss the topics for the JAAMAS Special Issue on environments for multiagent systems. This special issue will be organized as a post-activity of E4MAS 2005. Collaborating groups per paper will initially be formed during E4MAS in Utrecht, but can be extended later; attendees of the TFG can possibly join. The deadline for submissions is end-2005 and the publication is planned for mid-2006.

Preliminary Schedule

The TFG will take a full day, here is preliminary schedule:

  • Opening of the session by the chair. The goals of the meeting are explained, as well as the setup and schedule.
  • Discussion sessions on topical research issues in parallel groups.
  • Plenary session with discussion of the outcome of each discussion group.
  • Discussion session on the topics for the Special Issue on Environments for Multiagent Systems in the Journal on Autonomous Agents and Multiagent Systems.
  • Closing: roundup and discussion on the follow up of the meeting.

Expected Outcome

  • An improved understanding of the topics under discussion.
  • Input for the topics of the JAAMAS Special Issue on environments for multiagent systems.