The Role of Multi-Agent Systems in Realizing Asset Administration Shell Type 3

Lucas Sakurada (), Fernando De la Prieta and Paulo Leitao ()
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Lucas Sakurada: Research Centre in Digitalization and Intelligent Robotics (CeDRI), Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
Fernando De la Prieta: BISITE Digital Innovation Hub, Edificio Multiusos I+D+i, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
Paulo Leitao: Research Centre in Digitalization and Intelligent Robotics (CeDRI), Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal

Future Internet, 2025, vol. 17, issue 7, 1-26

Abstract: In the context of Industry 4.0 (I4.0), the Asset Administration Shell (AAS) has been gaining significant attention in recent years. The AAS serves as a standardized digital representation of an asset, encapsulating all relevant information about the asset throughout its lifecycle. Since its introduction in 2015, the past decade has seen considerable progress in developing traditional AAS solutions, namely AAS Type 1 and Type 2. As this initial phase reaches maturity, it becomes essential to shift focus toward AAS Type 3 (proactive), a specific category that extends traditional AAS functionalities by incorporating higher levels of autonomy, intelligence, and collaborative capabilities. However, AAS Type 3 is still in its early stages, lacking formal specifications and comprehensive implementation guidelines. In this context, Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) have been investigated as a means to enhance traditional AAS solutions toward the realization of AAS Type 3, particularly by embedding autonomous, intelligent, and collaborative behaviors. Building on this perspective, this paper explores the role of MAS in realizing AAS Type 3 through a comprehensive analysis of existing agent-based AAS approaches in the literature. Furthermore, this paper proposes a reference model based on common patterns found in the literature to support the development of AAS Type 3 solutions, contributing to the discussion on the formalization of specifications and providing greater clarity on this emerging topic. Finally, to better demonstrate key aspects of the model, some illustrative examples are presented to guide its application and facilitate understanding.

Keywords: Asset Administration Shells; Industry 4.0; Multi-Agent Systems (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O3 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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