Robot Coordination Based on Biologically Inspired Methods

An embedded particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique combined with virtual pheromones deposition and rules for artificial bird flocking is proposed to handle an area coverage problem using a swarm of mobile robots. A simulation tool VERA that was developed to simulate a swarm behavior of a group of mobile agents is described. Results of simulation experiments and tests on Lego robots that prove the concept are presented. Results are discussed and future development is suggested in the end of the paper.