Agents, Agents Theory and Multi-Agent Systems for Distributed Production System and Control

Distributed production systems and control are increasingly considered an effective solution to the growing complexity of industrial production processes. The utilization of agents and agent systems is an effective means for decreasing the system complexity degree and controlling production activities. In this framework, it is useful to present some introductory notions to familiarize the readers with the notions of agents, multi-agent systems, agent-based production control and agent-based distributed production systems in the area of production systems and automation, by applying definitions and characterizations in the existing literature.