Tuning the Collaboration Level with Autonomous Agents: A Principled Theory

Abstract

In this paper, we address the problem of adjustable autonomy: this is the real general problem with and among autonomous agents. We discuss how modifying the assigned/received delegation entails a proper enlargement or restriction of autonomy (and at which level); and we show how the theory of autonomy adjustment is strictly related to the theory of levels and kinds of delegation and help. We show how adjustability of delegation and autonomy is actually ‘bilateral’, since not only the delegator can adjust the delegee.s autonomy, but also the delegee can have (cooperative) reasons and the ability to change the received delegation and modify its own autonomy in it. Adjustment is also ‘bidirectional’ (from more autonomy to less autonomy, or vice versa), and multi-dimensional. Finally we analyze the reasons for modifying the assigned autonomy.