Mobile robot group coordination using a model of interaction dynamics
Dani Goldberg, Maja J. Matarić · Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE · 1999
We show how various levels of coordinated behavior may be achieved in a group of mobile robots by using a model of the interaction dynamics between a robot and the environment. We present augmented Markov models (AMMs) as a tool for capturing such interaction dynamics on-line an in real-time, with little computational and storage overhead. We briefly describe the structure of AMMs, then demonstrate the application of the model for resolving group coordination issues arising from three sources: individual performance, group affiliation, and group performance. Corresponding respectively to these are the three experimental examples we present - fault detection, group membership based on ability and experience, and dynamic leader selection.