Control of Spatially Distributed Complex Multi-Agent Networks

Objective

Spatially distributed multi-agent networks have been used successfully to model a wide range of natural, social and engineered complex systems, such as animal groups, online communities and electric power grids. In various contexts, it is crucial to introduce control actions into such networks to either achieve desired collective dynamics or test the understanding of the systems’ behavior. However, controlling such systems is extremely challenging due to agents’ complicated sensing, communication and control interactions that are distributed in space. Systematic methodologies to attack this challenge are in urgent need, especially when vast efforts are being made in multiple disciplines to apply the model of complex multi-agent networks.
The goal of the project is twofold. First, understand whether a complex multi-agent network can be controlled effectively when the agents can only sense and communicate locally. Second, provide methodologies to implement distributed control in typical spatially distributed complex multi-agent networks. The project requires integrated skills since both rigorous theoretical analysis and novel empirical explorations are necessary.
The research methods that I plan to adopt have two distinguishing features. First, I use tools from algebraic graph theory and complex network theory to investigate the impact of network topologies on the systems’ controller performances characterized by mathematical control theory. Second, I utilize a homemade robotic-fish testbed to implement various multi-agent control algorithms. The unique combination of theoretical and empirical studies is expected to lead to breakthroughs in developing an integrated set of principles and techniques to control effectively spatially distributed multi-agent networks. The expected results will make original contributions to control engineering and robotics, and inspire innovative research methods in theoretical biology and theoretical sociology.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.

• engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electrical engineering electric energy
• natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics topology
• engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electrical engineering power engineering electric power transmission
• engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering information engineering telecommunications telecommunications networks
• natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics discrete mathematics graph theory

Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

• FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

• ERC-SG-PE7 - ERC Starting Grant - Systems and communication engineering

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

ERC-2012-StG_20111012
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant

Host institution

Beneficiaries (1)