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arXiv · 2609.38960

Fast and Scalable Multi-Agent Distribution Matching via Partitioned Optimal Transport

Abstract

This paper presents a scalable optimal-transport-based framework for terminal distribution matching in multi-agent systems. While optimal transport provides a natural way to measure distributional mismatch and assign agents to a desired spatial distribution, global discrete transport can become computationally expensive for large-scale systems. We address this bottleneck by partitioning agents and target samples into spatially corresponding blocks and solving smaller local transport problems. Under a mass-balance condition, the resulting restricted coupling remains feasible for the global problem and provides an upper bound on the Wasserstein cost. The local assignments generate target locations for finite-horizon agent control, applicable to both linear and nonlinear dynamics. By alternating local assignment and control, we establish a cycle-to-cycle descent guarantee for the resulting transport surrogate. The proposed framework therefore enables scalable terminal distribution matching while retaining a rigorous connection to the Wasserstein objective. The technical soundness of the proposed results is validated through simulations.

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BibTeXRIS

Kooktae Lee, Ruchika Singh. 2026-09-30. Fast and Scalable Multi-Agent Distribution Matching via Partitioned Optimal Transport. https://arxiv.org/abs/2609.38960

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