Multi-Robot Field of View Control with Adaptive Decentralization

In this article, we address the problem of coordinating the motion of a team of robots with limited field of view (FOV), which induces asymmetry in their interactions. In this context, we first propose a general coordinated motion framework for multirobot systems with triangular FOV capable of guaranteeing stability under asymmetric (directed) interactions. In deriving this framework, we illustrate that asymmetry in multirobot interactions can lead to degenerate configurations for which a fully decentralized controller may be insufficient to achieve coordination. Thus, we introduce a switching control mechanism that achieves adaptive decentralization , enabling collaborative behaviors that seek support of a centralized planner for situations that are inherently unstable (degenerate). To demonstrate the generality of our framework we provide a case study involving varying team objectives, such as topology control, that the robots can achieve with limited FOV, while remaining stable. Experimental and numerical validations based on the previously discussed case study are provided to corroborate the theoretical findings.

Recommended citation: Santilli, Matteo, et al. "Multirobot field of view control with adaptive decentralization." IEEE Transactions on Robotics 38.4 (2022): 2131-2150.
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