Dear Editor,This letter investigates predefined-time optimization problems(OPs) of multi-agent systems(MASs), where the agent of MASs is subject to inequality constraints, and the team objective function accounts for ...Dear Editor,This letter investigates predefined-time optimization problems(OPs) of multi-agent systems(MASs), where the agent of MASs is subject to inequality constraints, and the team objective function accounts for impulse effects. Firstly, to address the inequality constraints,the penalty method is introduced. Then, a novel optimization strategy is developed, which only requires that the team objective function be strongly convex.展开更多
Large language model-based agent systems are emerging as transformative technologies in chemical process simulation, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making. By automating data analysis across structured a...Large language model-based agent systems are emerging as transformative technologies in chemical process simulation, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making. By automating data analysis across structured and unstructured sources—including process parameters, experimental results, simulation data, and textual specifications—these systems address longstanding challenges such as manual parameter tuning, subjective expert reliance, and the gap between theoretical models and industrial application. This paper reviews the key barriers to broader adoption of large language model-based agent systems, including unstable software interfaces, limited dynamic modeling accuracy, and difficulties in multimodal data integration, which hinder scalable deployment. We then survey recent progress in domain-specific foundation models, model interpretability techniques, and industrial-grade validation platforms. Building on these insights, we propose a technical framework centered on three pillars: multimodal task perception, autonomous planning, and knowledge-driven iterative optimization. This framework supports adaptive reasoning and robust execution in complex simulation environments. Finally, we outline a next-generation intelligent paradigm where natural language-driven agent workflows unify high-level strategic intent with automated task execution. The paper concludes by identifying future research directions to enhance robustness, adaptability, and safety, paving the way for practical integration of large language model based agent systems into industrial-scale chemical process simulation.展开更多
With the widespread deployment of large language models(LLMs)in complex and multimodal scenarios,there is a growing demand for secure and standardized integration of external tools and data sources.The Model Context P...With the widespread deployment of large language models(LLMs)in complex and multimodal scenarios,there is a growing demand for secure and standardized integration of external tools and data sources.The Model Context Protocol(MCP),proposed by Anthropic in late 2024,has emerged as a promising framework.Designed to standardize the interaction between LLMs and their external environments,it serves as a“USB-C interface for AI”.While MCP has been rapidly adopted in the industry,systematic academic studies on its security implications remain scarce.This paper presents a comprehensive review of MCP from a security perspective.We begin by analyzing the architecture and workflow of MCP and identify potential security vulnerabilities across key stages including input processing,decision-making,client invocation,server response,and response generation.We then categorize and assess existing defense mechanisms.In addition,we design a real-world attack experiment to demonstrate the feasibility of tool description injection within an actual MCP environment.Based on the experimental results,we further highlight underexplored threat surfaces and propose future directions for securing AI agent systems powered by MCP.This paper aims to provide a structured reference framework for researchers and developers seeking to balance functionality and security in MCP-based systems.展开更多
Dear Editor,This letter is concerned with the problem of time-varying formation tracking for heterogeneous multi-agent systems(MASs) under directed switching networks. For this purpose, our first step is to present so...Dear Editor,This letter is concerned with the problem of time-varying formation tracking for heterogeneous multi-agent systems(MASs) under directed switching networks. For this purpose, our first step is to present some sufficient conditions for the exponential stability of a particular category of switched systems.展开更多
Dear Editor,This letter studies the bipartite consensus tracking problem for heterogeneous multi-agent systems with actuator faults and a leader's unknown time-varying control input. To handle such a problem, the ...Dear Editor,This letter studies the bipartite consensus tracking problem for heterogeneous multi-agent systems with actuator faults and a leader's unknown time-varying control input. To handle such a problem, the continuous fault-tolerant control protocol via observer design is developed. In addition, it is strictly proved that the multi-agent system driven by the designed controllers can still achieve bipartite consensus tracking after faults occur.展开更多
Multi-agent systems often require good interoperability in the process of completing their assigned tasks.This paper first models the static structure and dynamic behavior of multiagent systems based on layered weight...Multi-agent systems often require good interoperability in the process of completing their assigned tasks.This paper first models the static structure and dynamic behavior of multiagent systems based on layered weighted scale-free community network and susceptible-infected-recovered(SIR)model.To solve the problem of difficulty in describing the changes in the structure and collaboration mode of the system under external factors,a two-dimensional Monte Carlo method and an improved dynamic Bayesian network are used to simulate the impact of external environmental factors on multi-agent systems.A collaborative information flow path optimization algorithm for agents under environmental factors is designed based on the Dijkstra algorithm.A method for evaluating system interoperability is designed based on simulation experiments,providing reference for the construction planning and optimization of organizational application of the system.Finally,the feasibility of the method is verified through case studies.展开更多
Dear Editor,An adaptive consensus control algorithm for uncertain multi-agent systems(MAS),capable of guaranteeing unified prescribed performance,is presented in this letter.Unlike many existing prescribed performance...Dear Editor,An adaptive consensus control algorithm for uncertain multi-agent systems(MAS),capable of guaranteeing unified prescribed performance,is presented in this letter.Unlike many existing prescribed performance related works,the developed control exhibits some features.Firstly,a distributed prescribed time observer is introduced so that not only each follower is able to estimate the leader’s signal within a predetermined time,but also the control design for each agent is independent with its neighbors.展开更多
Dear Editor,This letter focuses on the fixed-time(FXT)cluster optimization problem of first-order multi-agent systems(FOMASs)in an undirected network,in which the optimization objective is the sum of the objective fun...Dear Editor,This letter focuses on the fixed-time(FXT)cluster optimization problem of first-order multi-agent systems(FOMASs)in an undirected network,in which the optimization objective is the sum of the objective functions of all clusters.A novel piecewise power-law control protocol with cooperative-competition relations is proposed.Furthermore,a sufficient condition is obtained to ensure that the FOMASs achieve the cluster consensus within an FXT.展开更多
Dear Editor,This letter deals with the consensus of positive multi-agent systems(PMASs).A consensus protocol is proposed by introducing a finite consensus point.An error is defined as the differences in the linear com...Dear Editor,This letter deals with the consensus of positive multi-agent systems(PMASs).A consensus protocol is proposed by introducing a finite consensus point.An error is defined as the differences in the linear combination of the agent states,the agent states,and the finite consensus point.Under the consensus protocol,an error system is constructed,and it refers to the error term and the finite consensus point.A linear programming(LP)-based equation is given to remove the dependence of the finite consensus point.By virtue of the property of a directed graph,an error-independent system is obtained.展开更多
Formation control and obstacle avoidance for multi-agent systems have attracted more and more attention. In this paper, the problems of formation control and obstacle avoidance are investigated by means of a consensus...Formation control and obstacle avoidance for multi-agent systems have attracted more and more attention. In this paper, the problems of formation control and obstacle avoidance are investigated by means of a consensus algorithm. A novel distributed control model is proposed for the multi-agent system to form the anticipated formation as well as achieve obstacle avoidance. Based on the consensus algorithm, a distributed control function consisting of three terms （formation control term, velocity matching term, and obstacle avoidance term） is presented. By establishing a novel formation control matrix, a formation control term is constructed such that the agents can converge to consensus and reach the anticipated formation. A new obstacle avoidance function is developed by using the modified potential field approach to make sure that obstacle avoidance can be achieved whether the obstacle is in a dynamic state or a stationary state. A velocity matching term is also put forward to guarantee that the velocities of all agents converge to the same value. Furthermore, stability of the control model is proven. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control.展开更多
In this paper, we consider a consensus tracking problem of a class of networked multi-agent systems(MASs)in non-affine pure-feedback form under a directed topology. A distributed adaptive tracking consensus control sc...In this paper, we consider a consensus tracking problem of a class of networked multi-agent systems(MASs)in non-affine pure-feedback form under a directed topology. A distributed adaptive tracking consensus control scheme is constructed recursively by the backstepping method, graph theory,neural networks(NNs) and the dynamic surface control(DSC)approach. The key advantage of the proposed control strategy is that, by the DSC technique, it avoids "explosion of complexity"problem along with the increase of the degree of individual agents and thus the computational burden of the scheme can be drastically reduced. Moreover, there is no requirement for prior knowledge about system parameters of individual agents and uncertain dynamics by employing NNs approximation technology.We then further show that, in theory, the designed control policy guarantees the consensus errors to be cooperatively semi-globally uniformly ultimately bounded(CSUUB). Finally, two examples are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.展开更多
Consensus problem is investigated for heterogeneous multi-agent systems composed of first-order agents and second-order agents in this paper. Leader-following consensus protocol is adopted to solve consensus problem o...Consensus problem is investigated for heterogeneous multi-agent systems composed of first-order agents and second-order agents in this paper. Leader-following consensus protocol is adopted to solve consensus problem of heterogeneous multi-agent systems with time-varying communication and input delays. By constructing Lyapunov-Krasovkii functional, sufficient consensus conditions in linear matrix inequality(LMI) form are obtained for the system under fixed interconnection topology. Moreover, consensus conditions are also obtained for the heterogeneous systems under switching topologies with time delays. Simulation examples are given to illustrate effectiveness of the results.展开更多
In this paper, we focus on circle formation control of multi-agent systems （MAS） with a leader. The circle formation is achieved based on the lead-following and the artificial potential field method. A distributed c...In this paper, we focus on circle formation control of multi-agent systems （MAS） with a leader. The circle formation is achieved based on the lead-following and the artificial potential field method. A distributed control law is given to make a group of agents form a circle and consequently achieve an expected angle. Finally, simulation results show that the proposed circle formation strategies are effective.展开更多
This paper investigates the cluster consensus problem for second-order multi-agent systems by applying the pinning control method to a small collection of the agents. Consensus is attained independently for different ...This paper investigates the cluster consensus problem for second-order multi-agent systems by applying the pinning control method to a small collection of the agents. Consensus is attained independently for different agent clusters according to the community structure generated by the group partition of the underlying graph and sufficient conditions for both cluster and general consensus are obtained by using results from algebraic graph theory and the LaSalle Invariance Principle. Finally, some simple simulations are presented to illustrate the technique.展开更多
This paper studies the consensus problems for a group of agents with switching topology and time-varying communication delays, where the dynamics of agents is modeled as a high-order integrator. A linear distributed c...This paper studies the consensus problems for a group of agents with switching topology and time-varying communication delays, where the dynamics of agents is modeled as a high-order integrator. A linear distributed consensus protocol is proposed, which only depends on the agent＇s own information and its neighbors＇ partial information. By introducing a decomposition of the state vector and performing a state space transformation, the closed-loop dynamics of the multi-agent system is converted into two decoupled subsystems. Based on the decoupled subsystems, some sufficient conditions for the convergence to consensus are established, which provide the upper bounds on the admissible communication delays. Also, the explicit expression of the consensus state is derived. Moreover, the results on the consensus seeking of the group of high-order agents have been extended to a network of agents with dynamics modeled as a completely controllable linear time-invariant system. It is proved that the convergence to consensus of this network is equivalent to that of the group of high-order agents. Finally, some numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the main results.展开更多
基金supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(62276119)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(BK20241764)the Postgraduate Research & Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province(KYCX22_2860)
文摘Dear Editor,This letter investigates predefined-time optimization problems(OPs) of multi-agent systems(MASs), where the agent of MASs is subject to inequality constraints, and the team objective function accounts for impulse effects. Firstly, to address the inequality constraints,the penalty method is introduced. Then, a novel optimization strategy is developed, which only requires that the team objective function be strongly convex.
文摘Large language model-based agent systems are emerging as transformative technologies in chemical process simulation, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making. By automating data analysis across structured and unstructured sources—including process parameters, experimental results, simulation data, and textual specifications—these systems address longstanding challenges such as manual parameter tuning, subjective expert reliance, and the gap between theoretical models and industrial application. This paper reviews the key barriers to broader adoption of large language model-based agent systems, including unstable software interfaces, limited dynamic modeling accuracy, and difficulties in multimodal data integration, which hinder scalable deployment. We then survey recent progress in domain-specific foundation models, model interpretability techniques, and industrial-grade validation platforms. Building on these insights, we propose a technical framework centered on three pillars: multimodal task perception, autonomous planning, and knowledge-driven iterative optimization. This framework supports adaptive reasoning and robust execution in complex simulation environments. Finally, we outline a next-generation intelligent paradigm where natural language-driven agent workflows unify high-level strategic intent with automated task execution. The paper concludes by identifying future research directions to enhance robustness, adaptability, and safety, paving the way for practical integration of large language model based agent systems into industrial-scale chemical process simulation.
基金supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No.62325207.
文摘With the widespread deployment of large language models(LLMs)in complex and multimodal scenarios,there is a growing demand for secure and standardized integration of external tools and data sources.The Model Context Protocol(MCP),proposed by Anthropic in late 2024,has emerged as a promising framework.Designed to standardize the interaction between LLMs and their external environments,it serves as a“USB-C interface for AI”.While MCP has been rapidly adopted in the industry,systematic academic studies on its security implications remain scarce.This paper presents a comprehensive review of MCP from a security perspective.We begin by analyzing the architecture and workflow of MCP and identify potential security vulnerabilities across key stages including input processing,decision-making,client invocation,server response,and response generation.We then categorize and assess existing defense mechanisms.In addition,we design a real-world attack experiment to demonstrate the feasibility of tool description injection within an actual MCP environment.Based on the experimental results,we further highlight underexplored threat surfaces and propose future directions for securing AI agent systems powered by MCP.This paper aims to provide a structured reference framework for researchers and developers seeking to balance functionality and security in MCP-based systems.
基金supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(62273255,62350003,62088101)the Shanghai Science and Technology Cooperation Project(22510712000,21550760900)+1 种基金the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project(2021SHZDZX0100)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities
文摘Dear Editor,This letter is concerned with the problem of time-varying formation tracking for heterogeneous multi-agent systems(MASs) under directed switching networks. For this purpose, our first step is to present some sufficient conditions for the exponential stability of a particular category of switched systems.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(62325304,U22B2046,62073079,62376029)the Jiangsu Provincial Scientific Research Center of Applied Mathematics(BK20233002)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2023M730255,2024T171123)
文摘Dear Editor,This letter studies the bipartite consensus tracking problem for heterogeneous multi-agent systems with actuator faults and a leader's unknown time-varying control input. To handle such a problem, the continuous fault-tolerant control protocol via observer design is developed. In addition, it is strictly proved that the multi-agent system driven by the designed controllers can still achieve bipartite consensus tracking after faults occur.
基金supported by the Key R&D Projects in Jiangsu Province(BE2021729)the Key Primary Research Project of Primary Strengthening Program(KYZYJKKCJC23001).
文摘Multi-agent systems often require good interoperability in the process of completing their assigned tasks.This paper first models the static structure and dynamic behavior of multiagent systems based on layered weighted scale-free community network and susceptible-infected-recovered(SIR)model.To solve the problem of difficulty in describing the changes in the structure and collaboration mode of the system under external factors,a two-dimensional Monte Carlo method and an improved dynamic Bayesian network are used to simulate the impact of external environmental factors on multi-agent systems.A collaborative information flow path optimization algorithm for agents under environmental factors is designed based on the Dijkstra algorithm.A method for evaluating system interoperability is designed based on simulation experiments,providing reference for the construction planning and optimization of organizational application of the system.Finally,the feasibility of the method is verified through case studies.
基金supported in part by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFB4701400/4701401)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(61991400,61991403,62250710167,61860206008,61933012,62273064)+1 种基金the Chongqing Outstanding Young Talents Support Program(cstc2024ycjh-bgzxm0085)CAAI-Huawei MindSpore Open Fund。
文摘Dear Editor,An adaptive consensus control algorithm for uncertain multi-agent systems(MAS),capable of guaranteeing unified prescribed performance,is presented in this letter.Unlike many existing prescribed performance related works,the developed control exhibits some features.Firstly,a distributed prescribed time observer is introduced so that not only each follower is able to estimate the leader’s signal within a predetermined time,but also the control design for each agent is independent with its neighbors.
基金supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(62373231,61973201)the Fundamental Research Program of Shanxi Province(202203021211297)Shanxi Scholarship Council of China(2023-002)。
文摘Dear Editor,This letter focuses on the fixed-time(FXT)cluster optimization problem of first-order multi-agent systems(FOMASs)in an undirected network,in which the optimization objective is the sum of the objective functions of all clusters.A novel piecewise power-law control protocol with cooperative-competition relations is proposed.Furthermore,a sufficient condition is obtained to ensure that the FOMASs achieve the cluster consensus within an FXT.
基金supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China(62073111)the Science Research Funding of Hainan University(KYQD(ZR)22180)。
文摘Dear Editor,This letter deals with the consensus of positive multi-agent systems(PMASs).A consensus protocol is proposed by introducing a finite consensus point.An error is defined as the differences in the linear combination of the agent states,the agent states,and the finite consensus point.Under the consensus protocol,an error system is constructed,and it refers to the error term and the finite consensus point.A linear programming(LP)-based equation is given to remove the dependence of the finite consensus point.By virtue of the property of a directed graph,an error-independent system is obtained.
基金supported by the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2011AA040103)the Research Foundationof Shanghai Institute of Technology,China(Grant No.B504)
文摘Formation control and obstacle avoidance for multi-agent systems have attracted more and more attention. In this paper, the problems of formation control and obstacle avoidance are investigated by means of a consensus algorithm. A novel distributed control model is proposed for the multi-agent system to form the anticipated formation as well as achieve obstacle avoidance. Based on the consensus algorithm, a distributed control function consisting of three terms （formation control term, velocity matching term, and obstacle avoidance term） is presented. By establishing a novel formation control matrix, a formation control term is constructed such that the agents can converge to consensus and reach the anticipated formation. A new obstacle avoidance function is developed by using the modified potential field approach to make sure that obstacle avoidance can be achieved whether the obstacle is in a dynamic state or a stationary state. A velocity matching term is also put forward to guarantee that the velocities of all agents converge to the same value. Furthermore, stability of the control model is proven. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control.
基金supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of Chin(61503194,61533010,61374055)the Ph.D.Programs Foundation of Ministry of Education of China(20110142110036)+6 种基金the Natural Science Foundation o Jiangsu Province(BK20131381,BK20140877)China Postdoctoral Scienc Foundation(2015M571788)Jiangsu Planned Projects for Postdoctoral Re search Funds(1402066B)the Foundation of the Key Laboratory of Marin Dynamic Simulation and Control for the Ministry of Transport(DMU)(DMU MSCKLT2016005)Jiangsu Government Scholarship for Overseas Studie(2017-037)the Key University Natural Science Research Project of Jiangsu Province(17KJA120003)the Scientific Foundation of Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications(NUPTSF)(NY214076)
文摘In this paper, we consider a consensus tracking problem of a class of networked multi-agent systems(MASs)in non-affine pure-feedback form under a directed topology. A distributed adaptive tracking consensus control scheme is constructed recursively by the backstepping method, graph theory,neural networks(NNs) and the dynamic surface control(DSC)approach. The key advantage of the proposed control strategy is that, by the DSC technique, it avoids "explosion of complexity"problem along with the increase of the degree of individual agents and thus the computational burden of the scheme can be drastically reduced. Moreover, there is no requirement for prior knowledge about system parameters of individual agents and uncertain dynamics by employing NNs approximation technology.We then further show that, in theory, the designed control policy guarantees the consensus errors to be cooperatively semi-globally uniformly ultimately bounded(CSUUB). Finally, two examples are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.61104092,61134007 and 61203147)the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions
文摘Consensus problem is investigated for heterogeneous multi-agent systems composed of first-order agents and second-order agents in this paper. Leader-following consensus protocol is adopted to solve consensus problem of heterogeneous multi-agent systems with time-varying communication and input delays. By constructing Lyapunov-Krasovkii functional, sufficient consensus conditions in linear matrix inequality(LMI) form are obtained for the system under fixed interconnection topology. Moreover, consensus conditions are also obtained for the heterogeneous systems under switching topologies with time delays. Simulation examples are given to illustrate effectiveness of the results.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.61233002)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.N120404019)
文摘In this paper, we focus on circle formation control of multi-agent systems （MAS） with a leader. The circle formation is achieved based on the lead-following and the artificial potential field method. A distributed control law is given to make a group of agents form a circle and consequently achieve an expected angle. Finally, simulation results show that the proposed circle formation strategies are effective.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 70571059)
文摘This paper investigates the cluster consensus problem for second-order multi-agent systems by applying the pinning control method to a small collection of the agents. Consensus is attained independently for different agent clusters according to the community structure generated by the group partition of the underlying graph and sufficient conditions for both cluster and general consensus are obtained by using results from algebraic graph theory and the LaSalle Invariance Principle. Finally, some simple simulations are presented to illustrate the technique.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.60674050,60736022,10972002,60774089,60704039)
文摘This paper studies the consensus problems for a group of agents with switching topology and time-varying communication delays, where the dynamics of agents is modeled as a high-order integrator. A linear distributed consensus protocol is proposed, which only depends on the agent＇s own information and its neighbors＇ partial information. By introducing a decomposition of the state vector and performing a state space transformation, the closed-loop dynamics of the multi-agent system is converted into two decoupled subsystems. Based on the decoupled subsystems, some sufficient conditions for the convergence to consensus are established, which provide the upper bounds on the admissible communication delays. Also, the explicit expression of the consensus state is derived. Moreover, the results on the consensus seeking of the group of high-order agents have been extended to a network of agents with dynamics modeled as a completely controllable linear time-invariant system. It is proved that the convergence to consensus of this network is equivalent to that of the group of high-order agents. Finally, some numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the main results.
