Multi-robot coordination using generalized social potential fields

We present a novel approach to compute collision-free paths for multiple robots subject to local coordination constraints. More specifically, given a set of robots, their initial and final configurations, and possibly some additional coordination constraints, our goal is to compute a collision-free path between the initial and final configuration that maintains the constraints. To solve this problem, our approach generalizes the social potential field method to be applicable to both convex and nonconvex polyhedra. Social potential fields are then integrated into a “physics-based motion planning” framework which uses constrained dynamics to solve the motion planning problem. Our approach is able to plan for over 200 robots while averaging about 110 ms per step in a variety of environments.

Authors

• Russell Gayle
• William Moss
• Ming Lin 0003
• Dinesh Manocha

Keywords

• Robot kinematics
• Orbital robotics
• Motion planning
• Robotics and automation
• Computer science
• Robotic assembly
• Collision avoidance
• Multirobot systems
• Contracts
• Virtual manufacturing
• Social Fields
• Additional Constraints
• Local Coordinate
• Path Planning
• Final Configuration
• Multiple Robots
• Set Of Robots
• Benchmark
• Degrees Of Freedom
• Collision
• Local Minima
• Large Systems
• Equations Of Motion
• Normal Vector
• Social Forces
• Short Amount Of Time
• Distance Constraints
• Force Of Law
• Force Coefficient
• Rapidly-exploring Random Tree
• Robotic Group
• Navigation Function
• Single Robot
• Total Torque
• Individual Robots
• Planning Of Robots
• Attraction Behavior
• Dynamical
• Centralized Approach