The integration of agent-based computing techniques with probabilistic inference that can deal with limited resources and real-world uncertainty is being pioneered by the Universities of Oxford and Southampton.
These techniques are currently being developed and assessed for possible exploitation by the ARGUS II industrial partners. Each of the three
application areas requires the construction of scaleable, distributed information fusion solutions.
During the conference:
QinetiQ will demonstrate advanced data fusion in Wide-Area Surveillance applications for the protection of critical UK infrastructures. Agents ensure that sensors are focused on high-priority objects and object locations,
improving the quality of the picture for the human operator.
Rolls-Royce will demonstrate its Shop Visit Planner, an agent-based planning and scheduling system for aero engine repair and overhaul.
The agents, representing fleet planners and other stakeholders, adaptively negotiate to schedule engine shop visits.
BAE SYSTEMS will demonstrate Decentralised Air Traffic Control, a revolutionary approach in which airlines are empowered to plan and negotiate their own routes through the airspace. The system is motivated by projections
of congested skies, as well as recent technology developments.