Edinburgh Napier University

  This paper investigates the solving of a real world routing problem using evolutionary algorithms embedded within a Multi-agent system (MAS). An architecture for the MAS is proposed and mechanisms for controlling the interactions of agents are investigated. The control mechanism used in the final solution is based on the concept of agents submitting bids to receive work. The agents are also allowed to alter their bidding strategies as the solution improves. The MAS solves the test problem is solved, which previously could not be solved within the hard constraints.