On the duality between consensus problems and Markov processes, with application to delay systems

Abstract: We consider consensus of multi-agent systems as a dual problem to Markov processes. Based on an exchange of relevant notions and results between the two fields, we present a uniform framework which admits the introduction and treatment of time delays in a common setting. We study both information propagation and information processing delays, and for each case derive conditions for reaching consensus and calculate the consensus value.