Scientists employed a voter model protocol for a robotic swarm to complete a particular task and found that robots were more effective at completing that task by communicating with nearby robots instead of the entire swarm. (Image credit: University of Sheffield)
New research from scientists at the University of Sheffield suggests that distributing information to a robotic swarm over time can increase the group's probability of choosing the best option of completing an assigned task. The research could improve how robotic swarms work together, adapt to changes within operating environments, and make sophisticated decisions more quickly. A recent paper released by the scientists found that robotic swarms can respond more efficiently to changes in their environment when communication is reduced or limited.
Typically, scientists will broadcast instructions to an entire robotic swarm to carry out a specific task, such as moving from one point to another, performing that function as a group. Using that method can be effective, especially in an environment that doesn't change, but the swarm tends to break down in a dynamic environment. The scientists discovered their findings by studying how a swarm of tiny autonomous Kilobot robots in a box and how they reached a consensus to explore the best area within that box.
See the video here. https://players.brightcove.net/53038991001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6265280445001
Each robot assessed the environment individually, made its own decision, then broadcasted its choice to the rest of the swarm. Every robot then periodically selected a new assessment transmitted by another robot and used it to decide the best area to explore. This decision-making process is known as a voter model protocol. The scientists found that the robots were slower to reach a consensus on the best area to explore by broadcasting a decision to the entire swarm. They then discovered that if they limited the robot's communication range to just 10-centimeters, the swarm adapted to changes within its environment more quickly and selected the best area to explore.
Beyond the applications mentioned earlier, a robotic swarm that uses the limited communication method could be used in areas that are toxic or dangerous to humans. For example, they could fly over forest fires and monitor how the fire is spreading, then guide firefighters to where help is needed the most.
When will we get a robot swarm kit for home use? Seems like a super fun idea.
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