A framework for search and retrieval tasks using specialised cooperating autonomous agents

Abstract

We define a framework for search and retrieval tasks using cooperating autonomous agents. The significance of this work is our experimental demonstration that specialising the functionality of these agents can lead to increased efficiency, flexibility and scalability. We describe a model of cooperating autonomous agents with specialisations, as well as the simulation used to demonstrate the model. We frame our demonstration in terms of a search and retrieval task in an unknown environment by simulating multiple specialised autonomous robots. The agents require only the ability for movement, localised sensing and directed communication to perform their task.