A systematic view of agent-supported simulation past, present, and promising future

Agent-supported simulation involves the use of intelligent agents to enhance modeling and simulation (M&S) infrastructures and consists of support by software agents: (1) to provide computer assistance for front-end and/or backend interface functions in M&S environments; (2) to process elements of an M&S study symbolically (for example, for consistency checks and built-in reliability); and (3) to provide cognitive abilities to the elements of an M&S study, such as perception, anticipation, learning or understanding abilities. Several aspects of agent-supported simulation are clarified and references are provided.