The Role of Models and Communication in the Ad Hoc Multiagent Team Decision Problem

Abstract Ad hoc teams are formed of members who have little or no information regarding one another. In order to achieve a shared goal, agents are tasked with learning the capabilities of their teammates such that they can coordinate effectively. Typically, the capabilities of the agent teammates encountered are constrained by the particular domain specifications. However, for wide application, it is desirable to develop systems that are able to coordinate with general ad hoc agents independent of the choice of domain. We propose examining ad hoc multiagent teamwork from a generalized perspective and discuss existing domains within the context of our framework. Furthermore, we consider how communication of agent intentions can provide a means of reducing teammate model uncertainty at key junctures, requiring an agent to consider its own information deficiencies in order to form communicative acts improving team coordination