AUTONOMOUS DECISION IN MULTI-ROBOT SYSTEMS
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Authors
Hopchak, Matthew S.
Subjects
robotics
autonomous systems
auction
ARSENL
swarm
autonomous
multi-robot systems
area search
autonomous systems
auction
ARSENL
swarm
autonomous
multi-robot systems
area search
Advisors
Davis, Duane T.
Giles, Kathleen B.
Date of Issue
2018-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This research evaluates potential auction algorithm approaches to a multi-robot area search problem and uses the Naval Postgraduate School Advanced Robotic System Engineering Laboratory’s multi-UAV system to implement, test, and evaluate selected exemplars. Ultimately, for multi-robot systems to achieve useful objectives autonomously, they need to reliably analyze objectives and assign supporting tasks to individual vehicles. The market-based approaches analyzed in this research provide an intuitive mechanism for robust realization of this capability in highly dynamic and uncertain environments. We present our implementation, AuctionSearch, evaluate its design trade-offs, and influence agent bidding strategies based on per-robot speed and endurance. We test our implementation in simulation and in live-fly experiments across three different search areas with system sizes ranging from three to 10 robots each. The future of warfare will include unmanned systems in many facets of operations and support. Furthermore, it is likely that human intervention and direct handling of autonomous systems’ actions will be replaced by human supervision of autonomously developed courses of action on the battlefield. For multi-robot systems to have the capacity to develop and execute complex courses of action, they must be capable of linking complex tasks together. Our research and testing demonstrate that auction algorithms are well suited for autonomous decision.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Computer Science (CS)
Organization
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NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
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Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.