ASPASIA Knowledge Systems

- KNIXMAS - Knowledge Shared XPS-Based Research Network Using Multi-Agent Systems

Due to the increasing demand of globally distributed information within complex researching and developing there is a need for intelligent self adapting global research and development networks. The main objective has been to design and establish a framework for intelligent global researching - consisting of connected local (national) working and research networks. This framework consists of distributed co-operating expert systems (Intelligent Base Systems) with decision support modules for research management and intelligent knowledge retrieval provided by applied multi-agent systems. The prototype of the local research networks and workingspaces are realised as Intranets in 5 different European countries. The centre of each local network is an intelligent base system conceived as expert system with co-operating and communication facilities via Internet/Intranet. The entire knowledge is shared over the whole network and managed by Intelligent Knowledge Brokers.

The main characteristics of the research network are the following: The entire network is supplied with AI-components and methods. Modularity and flexibility is guaranteed by structuring and designing the whole system in an object oriented way. Adaptiveness and flexible adjustment is provided by reflecting and evaluating user response and acceptance data via complex feedback and influence loops. Developing this research network as a modular AI-system has ensured a high degree of scalability and adjustment capabilities. Using dynamic knowledge- and data- bases and digital repositories controlled by intelligent knowledge brokers guarantees inter- and exchange of specialised knowledge. For the intelligent knowledge retrieval global and local standard multi-agent systems are installed on heterogeneous platforms using CORBA/SOAP/RMI standards. The benefit for the users are decision supported research management as well as intelligent knowledge retrieval embedded in collaborative workingspaces. In particular, the following achievements are attuned to the European user:

5. Maintainability, continuity, tracing and documentation of global/local research teams