Air-ground cooperative exploration of 3D complex environment with maximized visibility and obstacles avoidance

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can provide vision at high altitude. In this paper, multi-UAVs and ground vehicle are utilized to explore a complex environment with obstacles. The desired UAV formation is proposed around ground vehicle to provide wider vision. The Interfered Fluid Dynamical System (IFDS) method is utilized to guide UAVs avoid obstacles, while the desired formation need be maintained. Then formation control scheme of multi-UAVs is updated to combine with IFDS method according to original formation and obstacles avoidance. Simulation results shows that multi-UAVs can avoid obstacles and maintain the desired formation around ground vehicle during exploration.