Agent-directed simulation: challenges to meet defense and civilian requirements

The aim of this panel session is to point out the importance of agent-directed simulation, as a scientific concept and technological possibility, to enhance the potential of simulation in both civilian and defense applications. The members of the panel (organized by Dr. Ören) are: Dr. Erol Gelenbe, Dr. S. K. Numrich, Dr. Adelinde Uhrmacher, and Dr. Linda Wilson. The position statements of the panel members are given separately. Ören bases his arguments on the NATO Modelling and Simulation Master Plan. He points out the need to proactively advance simulation science and technology to satisfy the requirements of the sophisticated defense applications. He stresses that, among other methodological advance possibilities, the three categories of agent-directed simulation have to be properly developed and/or tailored for defense applications. Gelenbe's interests include goal-directed knowledge processing abilities of agents in hostile environments. Numrich stresses on the need for command and search agents in defense applications. Uhrmacher states challenges for the users and the simulationists on the need of agents for modelling and agents for testing. Wilson covers four key challenges to agent-directed simulation that are: security, standards in communication, computer resources, and system management and monitoring.