Multiagent systems in construction : a ten-year review

Abstract

This study critically reviews multiagent systems (MAS) in construction. Given their autonomous, cooperative, and learning attributes, MAS are a promising approach to address the essential problems of collaboration and consensus among stakeholders in construction projects. Despite the development of many agent-based technologies and applications in recent years, relatively few reviews have been reported on this area. Based on selected papers, this study proposes a novel framework of MAS in construction. It focuses on collaboration and consensus in construction projects, and comprehensively organizes three dimensions of MAS: (1) application, (2) issue, and (3) attribute. Based on this framework, the applications and issues in construction domain can be facilitated with appropriate attributes of MAS, and it also can help find the potential applications of MAS in construction. Furthermore, this study clarifies the advantages of MAS and support collaboration and consensus in construction domain. Finally, the development of MAS in construction is presented, and future research directions are recommended.