Synergies of simulation, agents, and systems engineering

Simulation, software agents, and systems engineering are three important disciplines; each of which support many application areas. In this article it is pointed out that their usefulness and efficacy can be significantly improved by first and higher order synergies.

► First-order synergies: (1) Synergy of simulation and agents (or agent-directed simulation – ADS) that consists of (1.1) contributions of simulation to agents (i.e., agent simulation, or simulation of agent systems) and (1.2) contributions of agents for simulation which consists of (1.2.1) agent-supported simulation, or use of agents as a support facility to enable computer assistance in problem solving as well as enhancing cognitive capabilities of simulation systems; and (1.2.2) agent-based simulation which focuses on the use of agents for the generation of model behavior in a simulation study, such as dynamic model composition while simulation is running. ► (2) Synergy of simulation and systems engineering that consists of (2.1) contributions of simulation to systems engineering; (Especially experimentation aspect of simulation is a well-accepted fact at every phase of systems engineering) and (2.2) contributions of systems engineering to simulation which are possible in two areas: (2.2.1) for large and complex simulation studies, i.e., for simulation applications; and (2.2.2) for development of large and complex simulation systems, i.e., for methodological contributions. ► (3) Synergy of agents and systems engineering that consists of (3.1) contributions of agents for systems engineering, i.e., agent-based systems engineering to provide advanced – including cognitive and emotive – computational paradigms for systems engineering and (3.2) contributions of systems engineering for agents which is the essence of systems engineering agents, as advanced functionality for agents. ► (4) Second-order synergies: Synergy of agent-directed simulation (ADS) and systems engineering which consists of (1.1) contributions of systems engineering to ADS: (1.1) for large and complex simulation studies, i.e., for simulation applications; and (1.2) for the realization of large and complex simulation systems, i.e., methodological contributions; and (1.2) contributions of ADS to several stages of systems engineering activities such as system conception, problem specification, and solution analysis.