In Intelligent Software Laboratory, we are mainly engaged in theoretical and fundamental research on artificial intelligence or multi-agent systems (formerly known as distributed artificial intelligence). In order to develop advanced services and service systems that utilize data obtained from the real world using sensors, the software needs to be intelligent to some degree and be able to follow human behavior and thoughts, or act as a behalf of humans or organizations. In addition, such software is networked, and advanced applications can be realized through mutual cooperation and coordination. Even if they are not directly cooperating with each other, their actions influence each other, often negatively. Even in such cases, humans still assess the situations and behaviors of those around them, and not only take their own optimal actions, but also take social actions considering the surroundings; such decision makings/determinations smooth out others’ behaviors, which ultimately come back to them as increased efficiency in their own behaviors. This kind of behavioral decision making is highly intelligent and requires the careful consideration of many factors, and there are many unanswered questions that need to be addressed before it can be programmed. Our research focuses on such intelligent and autonomous software (agents) to implement services and functions that cannot be achieved by a single agent through cooperation, coordination, and competition among them, as well as algorithms that realize social decisions and behaviors, and machine learning that leads to such social behaviors. For example, we are studying the underlying theories and algorithms for realizing such software ( such as machine learning for social decision, multi-agent planning, team formation, cooperation, game theory, social optimization and social acquisition methods based on biological behavior, etc.), and their evaluations. We are also conducting research on their applications such as multi-agent simulations, social network analysis and sensor networks.

For example,

• Students who have a topic you would like to do something related to the above,

• Those who want to learn and write programs like the above (programs are a must), and

• Those who want to do research on e.g., (machine) learning, planning, and multi-agent simulation

If you fall into any of these categories, please come and join us.

If you are an international student, please also visit this page. Our laboratory will be accepting a few postgraduate students for entry in September 2022 and April 2023. Permission to take the exam or apply for AO admission is not required.