Multi-agent Robotics:Towards Energy Autonomy

Abstract

In this paper, we aim to propose a novel trend in multi-agent robotics: energy autonomy. A definition of energy autonomy is developed from an original concept "potential energy" that is under constraints of remaining energy capacity and related distance among robotic agents. Towards energy autonomy, we initially present a simulation of multi-agent robotic system in which each robot is capable of exchanging energy cells to other robots. Our simulation points out that: (1) each robot is able to not only act as an autonomous agent but also interact with the others to be beyond the individual capabilities; (2) To adapt change of the environment, each robot is situated as an adaptive agent in a network or a cluster of the neighboring robots to lead to a state of energy autonomy. Finally, based on discovery of the simulation we adjust rules for our real multirobot system.