Fish shoal inspired movement in robotic collectives

Abstract

Robotic collectives are used for the efficient achievement of complex tasks. There is a significant increase in the interest for emergent, collaborative robotics as a viable alternative to the more centralized classic approach as the dimensions, energy consumption and especially price are becoming required constraints. This paper describes a nature inspired algorithm intended for the movement and communication of such robotic collectives. As a case study, the implementation of the emergent algorithm on a system consisting of LEGO Mindstorm Robots is further discussed along with some of the most interesting experimental results.