Developing a Low-Cost Robot Colony.

Abstract

Taking inspiration from nature, we have developed a colony of small, low-cost robots. We have created a robotic base which is inexpensive and utilizes simple sensors, yet has the capabilities required to form a colony. To overcome computational limitations, we have developed custom sensors and algorithms that enable the robots to communicate, localize relative to one another, and sense the environment around them. Using these noisy sensors and simple local rules, the colony as a whole is able to develop more complex global behaviors, similar to the emergent intelligence of colonies in nature. We present our work developing an autonomous robot colony and algorithms for efficient communication, localization, and robot behaviors. We also highlight recent developments that enable our Colony to recharge autonomously.