[Agent] Multi-Agent Runner

[chr-hertel]

Currently the agent is only a slim wrapper around the Platform and basically only has a few features

• structured output (should that be in Platform?)
• input/output extension points (should that be in Platform?)
• validation of input & capabilities (should that be in Platform?)
• handling of multi-step tool calling <- the only feature atm?

One big feature we should enable is multi-agent with different characteristics:

1. orchestration agent
   one agent that is the main agent and basically uses other agents as tools (should be possible already)
2. agent hand-off
   multiple agents handing off the responsibility and context between each other

[CashWilliams]

I'd love to see a2a support for the agent built in.

[junaidbinfarooq]

@chr-hertel @OskarStark
I would like to work on this one. Do you have any particular idea on its implementation? Following is a rough sketch of how it would work IMO.

The multi-agent system operates in a sequential handoff pattern where specialized agents collaborate to complete complex tasks:

Setup Phase

Agent Definition: Each agent is created with specific capabilities (research, writing, review)
System Prompts: Agents are given specialized instructions and told when to hand off
Handoff Rules: The system creates rules for when agents should transfer control

Execution Flow

User Request → Orchestrator/Initial Agent → Specialized Agent 1 → Agent 2 → Agent 3 → Final Result

Two Execution Patterns

Pattern A: Orchestrated Workflow
An orchestrator agent receives the user request
It coordinates and delegates to specialized agents
Each agent completes its part and suggests the next handoff

Pattern B: Direct Collaboration
Agents work directly with each other without a central orchestrator
Each agent analyzes the conversation and decides when to hand off

Handoff Triggers

The system detects handoffs through:
Explicit mentions: Agent says "handoff to writer" or "transfer to reviewer"
Capability detection: Agent mentions capabilities it doesn't have
Automatic rules: Pre-configured rules based on agent capabilities

This creates a collaborative pipeline where each agent contributes its expertise, resulting in higher-quality outputs than a single general-purpose agent could produce.

Let me know your thoughts.

[OskarStark]

I don't have any concrete plans yet and Chris is off for some days. So maybe give it a try and draft a PR with a working example?

[junaidbinfarooq]

@chr-hertel @OskarStark I would like to work on this one. Do you have any particular idea on its implementation? Following is a rough sketch of how it would work IMO.

The multi-agent system operates in a sequential handoff pattern where specialized agents collaborate to complete complex tasks:

Setup Phase

Agent Definition: Each agent is created with specific capabilities (research, writing, review) System Prompts: Agents are given specialized instructions and told when to hand off Handoff Rules: The system creates rules for when agents should transfer control

Execution Flow

User Request → Orchestrator/Initial Agent → Specialized Agent 1 → Agent 2 → Agent 3 → Final Result

Two Execution Patterns

Pattern A: Orchestrated Workflow An orchestrator agent receives the user request It coordinates and delegates to specialized agents Each agent completes its part and suggests the next handoff

Pattern B: Direct Collaboration Agents work directly with each other without a central orchestrator Each agent analyzes the conversation and decides when to hand off

Handoff Triggers

The system detects handoffs through: Explicit mentions: Agent says "handoff to writer" or "transfer to reviewer" Capability detection: Agent mentions capabilities it doesn't have Automatic rules: Pre-configured rules based on agent capabilities

This creates a collaborative pipeline where each agent contributes its expertise, resulting in higher-quality outputs than a single general-purpose agent could produce.

Let me know your thoughts.

@chr-hertel @OskarStark
I have a rough implementation of this locally.
Please let me know your thoughts on this before I proceed further.

[OskarStark]

If you have something, can you create a PR? Its easier to discuss about code 😄