Towards a formal model of computation for RMAS

RMAS is a multi-agent system architecture and associated model of computation that has been recently proposed as promising framework for autonomic computation and as viable implementation means for industrial agents. RMAS is proposed as an effective tool in the realization of the full-fledged concept of cyber-physical systems of systems, in agreement with new visions of the digital future and prominent standardization efforts like the IEC 61499. Currently, there is the need to establish a solid formalism for the model of computation of RMAS in order to harness and fully express its possibilities. In particular, this model should bridge the disciplines of control and systems engineering and computer science, whilst concerning artificial intelligence. This work proposes a first operational step in this direction. A formalism of the RMAS model of computation is established for the first time, and a complete definition of hierarchical nested levels of RMAS units is proposed. This work constitutes the ground for industry-ready technological instances of the RMAS architecture. (C) 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.