Multi-Agent System for Supply Cross-Leveling in Future Combat System

A multi-agent system for the Army's Future Combat System (FCS) demonstrated agent-enabled water (and fuel) cross-leveling for maximizing battlefield capability and sustainability. The demonstrated capability aligns with network-centric operations (NCO) and effects-based operations (EBO) for FCS. The demonstration links logistics response to crew-dependent water needs, and moves towards real-time versus end-of-mission readiness. Logistics control and coordination tasks for leveling and re-supply of water, fuel, ammunition, and spare parts are accomplished using an adaptive multi-agent system in which collaborative, learning and sensor agents, communicating through a publish-and-subscribe infosphere, operate autonomously and collaboratively to perform the required logistics water/fuel cross-leveling and re-supply tasks in real time and in response to dynamic battlefield conditions.