Practical Applications of Agent-Based Technology

Book excerpt: Agent-based technology provides a new computing paradigm, where intelligent agents can be used to perform tasks such as sensing, planning, scheduling, reasoning and decision-making. In an agent-based system, software agents with sufficient intelligence and autonomy can either work independently or coordinately with other agents to accomplish tasks and missions. In this book, we provide up-to-date practical applications of agent-based technology in various fields, such as electronic commerce, grid computing, and adaptive virtual environment. The selected applications are invaluable for researchers and practitioners to understand the practical usage of agent-based technology, and also to apply agent-based technology innovatively in different areas.