Title: Applications of multiagents in transport and logistics

Authors: Mark Tarver, Maria Ines Fae

Addresses: Lambda Associates, 29 Kensington Court, Brudenell Road, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS6 1SJ, UK. ' Nucleo de Logistica e Transportes, Departamento de Engenharia de Producao, Centro Tecnologico, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Campus Universitario de Goiabeiras, 29075–910, Vitoria, Espirito Santo, Brazil

Abstract: This paper reviews a relatively new and emerging technology using an advanced programming technique whose application shows promise in various fields of research. This technology uses computers to simulate intelligent agents that model social systems. Based on the imperfect understanding of the transport needs in which agent solutions are appropriate, this article provides an overview of research in the field of agents and multiagent systems applied to transport and logistics. It also presents a multiagent approach to modelling Wardrop|s Principle in terms of non-communicating cognitive agents. Despite the agents| adequacy to tackle dynamic, distributed and real-time problems, a broader aspect of transport has not been approached yet, like problems on demand and supply, and incident management. Our aim is to present the areas where very few, or no work, has been done so far, such as demand modelling, simulation, and management systems for traffic incidents.

Keywords: multiagents; transport; logistics; intelligent agents; Wardrop|s Principle; traffic; industrial logistics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2007.013210

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2007 Vol.3 No.4, pp.405 - 418

Published online: 12 Apr 2007 *

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