Agent-based simulation:: Mast case study

Summarizing all the specific features of the simulation systems needed for agent-based systems, the paper documents that the simulation tools of this kind do represent rather complex development environment for agent-based systems than one-purpose simulation software obvious in the case of "classical" centralized systems. The agent-oriented simulation tools explore and combine methods of real-time emulation, qualitative simulation, testing and diagnostic algorithms with classical methods of both the discrete and continuous simulation approaches, techniques of advanced visualization and run-time interfacing. The MAST simulation tool and the detailed description of its extension for the Cambridge Packing Cell Testbed are used as a case study.