Multi-Robot Patrol Algorithm with Distributed Coordination and Consciousness of the Base Station's Situation Awareness

TL;DR

This paper introduces a distributed multi-robot patrolling algorithm that enhances efficiency and situational awareness for humans by coordinating robots based on local needs and achievements without centralized control.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel Local Reactive (LR) algorithm enabling distributed coordination and improved situational awareness in multi-robot patrolling systems.

Findings

Outperforms existing algorithms in patrolling efficiency.

Enhances the base station's situation awareness.

Operates effectively without centralized control.

Abstract

Multi-robot patrolling is the potential application for robotic systems to survey wide areas efficiently without human burdens and mistakes. However, such systems have few examples of real-world applications due to their lack of human predictability. This paper proposes an algorithm: Local Reactive (LR) for multi-robot patrolling to satisfy both needs: (i)patrol efficiently and (ii)provide humans with better situation awareness to enhance system predictability. Each robot operating according to the proposed algorithm selects its patrol target from the local areas around the robot's current location by two requirements: (i)patrol location with greater need, (ii)report its achievements to the base station. The algorithm is distributed and coordinates the robots without centralized control by sharing their patrol achievements and degree of need to report to the base station. The proposed algorithm performed better than existing algorithms in both patrolling and the base station's situation awareness.