The FIPA Agent UML Web Site

Multiagent systems (MAS) are often characterized as extensions of
object-oriented systems. This overly simplified view has often troubled
system designers as they try to capture the unique features of MAS
systems using OO tools. In response, an agent-based unified modeling
language (AUML) is being developed.

The FIPA Modeling TC's goal is to be domain independent. Currently,
it will examine those area where it has expertise: service-oriented
architecture (SOA), business process management (BPM), simulation,
real-time, AOSE, robotics, information systems. Other areas will be
examined over time as further expertise becomes available.

Instead of reliance on the OMG's UML, we intend to reuse of UML
wherever it makes sense. We do not want to be restricted by UML;
we only want to capitalize on it where we can. The general philosophy,
then, is: When it makes sense to reuse portions of UML, then do it;
when it doesn't make sense to use UML, use something else or
create something new.

Latest Updates

The AUML effort can best be characterized as quiescent at the moment. Initially, there was a flurry of work to extend UML for agents, but three situations occurred:

1) UML 2.1 was released, which contained many of the agent-related feature that AUML required

2) The OMG Systems Modeling Language (SysML) standard (http://www.sysml.org) was released. SysML customizes the UML, the industry standard for modeling software-intensive systems, for systems engineering applications. It supports the specification, analysis, design, verification and validation of a broad range of systems and systems-of-systems. These systems may include hardware, software, information, processes, personnel, and facilities. As such, it also enables much of the AUML feature we needed.

3) The OMG UML Metamodel and Profile for Services (UPMS) RFP is now underway. The UPMS RFP requests a services metamodel and profile for extending UML with capabilities applicable to modeling services using an SOA. This emerging standards has a proposal for including agent-related concepts.

This by no means halts the AUML effort. Instead, we must not take a fresh look at these new standards and determine what else is required for representing agents and agent-based systems.

Therefore, anyone wishing to actively contribute to any of these project or establishing a new one, please send an email to the Contact address at the bottom of this page.