The Contract Net Protocol

The Contract Net Protocol is a method used in multi-agent systems where a central task is divided among multiple autonomous agents. One agent announces a task or problem, inviting others to bid their solutions or efforts. The most suitable agent then wins the contract and carries out the task. This approach promotes efficient collaboration, allowing agents to negotiate, compete, and cooperate dynamically to complete complex jobs. It facilitates decentralized decision-making and resource allocation, ensuring tasks are assigned based on capability, cost, or other criteria, similar to a bidding process in business.