Consensus-Based Learning for MAS: Definition, Implementation and Integration in IVEs

One of the main advancements in distributed learning may be the idea behind Google’s Federated Learning (FL) algorithm. It trains copies of artificial neural networks (ANN) in a distributed way and recombines the weights and biases obtained in a central server. Each unit maintains the privacy of the information since the training datasets are not shared. This idea perfectly fits a Multi-Agent System, where the units learning and sharing the model are agents. FL is a centralized approach, where a server is in charge of receiving, averaging and distributing back the models to the different units making the learning process. In this work, we propose a truly distributed learning process where all the agents have the same role in the system. We suggest using a consensus-based learning algorithm that we call Co-Learning. This process uses a consensus process to share the ANN models each agent learns using its private data and calculates the aggregated model. Co-Learning, as a consensus-based algorithm, calculates the average of the ANN models shared by the agents with their local neighbors. This iterative process converges to the averaged ANN model as a central server does. Apart from the definition of the Co-Learning algorithm, the paper presents its integration in SPADE agents, along with a framework called FIVE allowing to develop Intelligent Virtual Environments for SPADE agents. This framework has been used to test the execution of SPADE agents using Co-Learning algorithm in a simulation of an orange orchard field.