scope:

The present standard is addressed to users and developers of software systems in industrial automation. The standard is a decision aid when development or application of multi-agent systems in industrial automation is being considered. It also provides basic information and a standard concept as to what exactly agents are, and how agentoriented industrial automation systems can be realised in a systematic manner.

The series of standards VDI/VDE 2653 consists of the following parts:

Part 1 Fundamentals

This standard presents essential terms of multi-agent technology and the properties of agent-oriented industrial automation systems. In addition, selected application cases in industrial automation are discussed.

Part 2 Development

This standard contains criteria for selecting and comparing agent-oriented development methods, for analysing existing agentoriented development methods and for selecting agent platforms in industrial automation. It is intended for all those who are involved in the development of multi-agent systems in industrial automation.

Part 3 Application

This standard contains field reports from industry and universities on the use of multi- agent systems in different areas of application. Each field report covers the problem of an area of application to be solved along with a description of the initial situation and the solution based on agents, their benefits and the experience gained in the process. The user group includes users and developers of software systems in industrial automation.