Design Patterns for Multi-Agent Systems in Intelligent Mobile Construction Machines

Mobile construction machines are often challenging to operate and require experienced operators to master their use effectively. Training new drivers demands significant time and financial resources. Operator expertise is particularly crucial in handling free-swinging tools, e.g., those used to create diaphragm walls or cranes. AI-based assistance systems have been developed for this application to reduce costs through efficient operation, even by novice operators. However, integrating such assistance systems into existing control architectures poses substantial challenges, as AI applications must be coupled with safety-critical systems. This paper proposes a design pattern for a Multi-Agent System to facilitate the seamless integration of novel technologies into traditional control architectures of mobile construction machines and partially automate this integration process. The Multi-Agent System approach enables standardized and efficient addition of assistance functions, ensuring timeliness and safety. These assistance functions were developed in a real industrial application, and the Multi-Agent System was evaluated on a Hardware-In-the-Loop test bench. One main contribution of this approach is that parts of the Agent System were tested on a real mobile hydraulic machine with an experienced operator.