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Generating and analyzing hierarchical interaction in a flock of robotic swarms

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Abstract

One of the popular approaches for the self-organized flocking of artificial agents is based on a computer animation model called Boid. This model reproduces flocking motion using three simple behavioral rules: repulsion, attraction, and alignment. However, the flocking performance largely depends on how these rules are configured, and no general guideline exists for the configuration. This paper introduces hierarchical interaction-based flocking by employing individuals that can switch their roles. Robots can move as leaders or followers depending on the situation. The flocking performance is evaluated, and the swarming behavior is analyzed in a scenario where robots travel alternately between two landmarks.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant number 17K14627.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Toyama, 3190, Gofuku, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan

    Toshiyuki Yasuda

  2. Hiroshima University, 1-4-1, Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8527, Japan

    Kazuhiro Ohkura

Authors
  1. Toshiyuki Yasuda
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  2. Kazuhiro Ohkura
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Toshiyuki Yasuda.

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Yasuda, T., Ohkura, K. Generating and analyzing hierarchical interaction in a flock of robotic swarms. Artif Life Robotics 23, 481–488 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10015-018-0485-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10015-018-0485-3

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