Agent-based coalition formation in disaster response applications

Abstract

We present an agent-based coalition formation approach for disaster response applications. We assume that agents are operating in a dynamic and dangerous environment, and they need to form convoys to efficiently traverse unsafe areas and rendezvous at task locations. We assume a dynamic model of multilevel coalition formation where agents can dynamically join and leave the convoy, and the goals of the convoy (as reflected in its physical path and schedule) is determined by its current members. We demonstrate our approach in a simulation study located in the environment of New Orleans in the hurricane Katrina aftermath