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Agents Needed Models of One Another, Not Just More Messages
A multi-agent framework treats beliefs about teammates as explicit state that can be tested and revised.
Summary
A multi-agent framework treats beliefs about teammates as explicit state that can be tested and revised.
The Mental-Models framework asks multi-agent systems to represent what other agents know, intend and may do, instead of relying only on the latest message. That explicit state gives coordination a place to record disagreement, uncertainty and changed assumptions. The paper positions mental models as an organizing layer for agent teams, where the quality of collaboration depends on whether those models are updated when behavior contradicts expectations. This is a research proposal and evaluation framework, not evidence that software agents possess human social understanding. Its useful test is operational: can an agent explain which teammate assumption drove a plan and revise it after contrary evidence?
Why it matters
A multi-agent framework treats beliefs about teammates as explicit state that can be tested and revised.
Limits and context
- The Mental-Models framework asks multi-agent systems to represent what other agents know, intend and may do, instead of relying only on the latest message.
- This is a research proposal and evaluation framework, not evidence that software agents possess human social understanding.
Key claims
A multi-agent framework treats beliefs about teammates as explicit state that can be tested and revised.
Qualification: The Mental-Models framework asks multi-agent systems to represent what other agents know, intend and may do, instead of relying only on the latest message.
Evidence: source-2026-10-10-014
Sources
- arXiv preprint 2610.12453, original v1arXiv / submitting research authors · primary research
Corrections
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