A Multi Agent System to Control Complexity in Multi Modal Transport

In this paper we present a multi agent system for communication in the transport sector. It is part of an 'Intelligent Communication Platform for Multi Modal Transport' that is called MamMoeT. The motivation for a communication platform stems from the observed need for support in maintaining evolving partnerships as well as for the establishment of new partnerships. We observed a lack of commonly accepted tools to obtain quantifiable and live information. Examples include the position of freight and vehicles, the expected arrival and waiting times as well as alternative routes and transport modes. We show that a multi agent system is appropriate for practical application. In the transport sector (which is distributed by nature) a system in which each logistic party has a representative autonomous agent matches the requirements better than one central information system would. Our system explicitly addresses the transparency and privacy issues in order to increase the level of acceptance of this type of software platform. © 2006 IEEE.status: publishe