Swarm-in-Blocks: Simplifying Drone Swarm Programming with Block-Based Language

Abstract

Swarm in Blocks, originally developed for CopterHack 2022, is a high-level interface that simplifies drone swarm programming using a block-based language. Building on the Clover platform, this tool enables users to create functionalities like loops and conditional structures by assembling code blocks. In 2023, we introduced Swarm in Blocks 2.0, further refining the platform to address the complexities of swarm management in a user-friendly way. As drone swarm applications grow in areas like delivery, agriculture, and surveillance, the challenge of managing them, especially for beginners, has also increased. The Atena team developed this interface to make swarm handling accessible without requiring extensive knowledge of ROS or programming. The block-based approach not only simplifies swarm control but also expands educational opportunities in programming.