Swarms of robots have been designed and demonstrated to move in sync with one another, and analyzing and optimizing movements within the environment. In the case of the environment, the bots optimized how to best approach and maneuver around objects. At Georgia Robotics and InTelligent Systems(Grits) lab researchers have been using a group of swarm bots communicating with each other by cameras and special “hats” to compose music.
Given the task of composing a Beethoven piece, the small group of bots must work together to reach a specific key at the right time in order to perform the music correctly. “Khepera bots,” as their called must communicate with one another and optimize the situation by first, determining the number of bots needed to reach their goal, and then calculating the shortest route possible to complete the task. In addition, the bots can adapt to the time needed to complete a task. For instance, commanding the bots to play the music slower will cause less to join in on the task, while commanding them to perform the music faster will initiate more robots into the action.
However, playing music will most likely not be the application swarm bots are used. Researchers are looking to use UAVs as a swarm to protect soldiers. The UAVs will be able to cover a large areas while redirecting soldier's routes if needed. As usual the military will most likely be using the new technology to keep our troops safe and some some situations entertained. It always comes down to military applications...
Cabe