What are popular frameworks for building multi-agent systems?

Popular frameworks for building multi-agent systems provide tools to design, coordinate, and deploy autonomous agents that interact to solve complex problems. Three widely used options include JADE (Java Agent Development Framework), Mesa (Python), and Ray (Python). These frameworks handle communication, agent lifecycle management, and scalability, allowing developers to focus on agent logic and behavior. Each has distinct strengths depending on the use case, programming language, and required flexibility.

JADE, a Java-based framework, is a mature choice for building FIPA-compliant systems. It includes built-in support for agent communication using standardized protocols (like ACL messages) and provides tools for agent discovery, distributed execution, and GUI-based debugging. For example, JADE’s “Agent Management System” simplifies tasks like starting/stopping agents or monitoring their status. Mesa, a Python library, is ideal for simulations and modeling, offering visualization tools to track agent interactions in grid-based or network environments. It’s often used in social science research or supply chain simulations. Ray, another Python-centric framework, excels in distributed computing and reinforcement learning scenarios. Its actor model enables agents to run in parallel across clusters, making it suitable for large-scale AI training or real-time decision-making systems, such as autonomous vehicle coordination.

Other notable frameworks include Rasa (for conversational AI agents), Microsoft Autogen (for collaborative LLM-based agents), and JASON (for logic-based agents using the BDI model). For instance, Autogen simplifies building multi-agent workflows where LLMs collaborate to solve tasks, like code generation or data analysis. Specialized tools like SPADE (XMPP-based messaging) or PADE (industrial IoT applications) cater to niche requirements. When choosing a framework, consider factors like language preferences, scalability needs, and integration with existing systems (e.g., machine learning libraries). For example, Python-focused teams might prefer Ray or Mesa for their ecosystem compatibility, while enterprise Java applications often lean on JADE. Documentation quality and community support also play a critical role in long-term viability.