Animals are not particles: a framework for second generation hetero-swarm robotics (2G-SWARM)
Abstract
1. Swarm robotic systems emerged in the 1980 s1 and applications range from disasterrescue, mining, agriculture, environmental moni toring, and the military2,3. Swarmrobotic systems involve large numbers of simple and autonomous robots coordinatedby rules inspir ed by research in collective animal behaviour4.2. Collective animal behaviour research investigates how global-level collectivebeh aviours emerge from local interactions among individuals5. Early studies ofcollective animal behaviour depicted individuals as esse ntially identical units(particles) and neither simulations nor analyses of real-world data accounted forpotential heterogeneity (i .e. structured networks and social roles) in these systems6.3. With recent advances in laboratory and field observation techniques, behaviouralscientists are identifying heterogeneity in almost every collective behaviour systemthey study7. Theoretical models of collective behaviour are therefore being updatedand revised, altering our view of how animal collectives form and function7.4. Th is project will utilise recent advances in data and models produced by collectiveanimal behaviour research to provide a framework f or implementing a secondgeneration of hetero-swarm robotics. The goal is to determine how social structureand social roles modif y and improve collective behaviour in real animal groups,taking inspiration from nature to engineer better artificial swarm systems .
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 20, 2021
- Source ID
- N629092112030
Entities
People
- Andrew J King
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Swansea University
- United States Navy