agent之间的通讯是MAS(multi-agent system)的关键问题之一。 目前流行的通讯语言之一是KQML: 包括两部分:(1) the Knowledge Query and Manipulation Language (KQML) (2) the Knowledge Interchange Format (KIF). KQML定义一系列的“行动词”(performatives),例如:
ask-if (“is it true that . . .”);
perform (“please perform the following action . . .”);
reply (“the answer is . . .”);
KIF表达消息内容,例如:
properties of things in a domain (e.g. “Kroger is retailer”);
relationships between things in a domain (e.g. “Procter & Gamble is Wal-Mart's supplier”);
general properties of a domain (e.g. “All customer orders are registered by at least one retailer”).
KQML/KIF对话的例子:agents A and B讨论part 1的大小是否比part 2大,并确认part 1为20,part 2为18: A to B: (ask-if (> (size part1) (size part2))) B to A: (reply true) B to A: (inform ( ¼ (size part1) 20)) B to A: (inform ( ¼ (size part2) 18)) 另:关于另一个标准,参阅 FIPA:IEEE主体系统的标准