Abstract: Swarm intelligence algorithm is a kind of distributed method originated from collective behaviors of social insects. Its application in multi-agent systems aims to improve the robustness,flexibility and adaptability. Taking the application of swarm intelligence in multi-agent system as masterstroke, this paper discussed the critical mechanisms of swarm intelligence, and then summarized and discussed current study works of swarm intelligence applied in multi agent communication, multi-agent cooperation, multi-agent learning and multi-agent architecture. At last, this paper analyzed and discussed some problems in current research and showed some preliminary points.

Key words: Swarm intelligence, Multi-agent system, Stigmergy, Distributed cooperation, Multi-agent learning