Trustworthy Swarms

Abstract

Swarm robotics has begun to move from the laboratory to the real world. Potential applications include: logistics, environmental monitoring, search and rescue, and medicine. However, a key challenge for the deployment and use of these systems is the interrelated factor of ensuring technical, human and societal trust. To help address this complex issue, we first turn our attention to research on the technical properties of swarms, such as proficiency, scalability, robustness, and adaptability and their role in building trust. Second, we explore the area of research known as Human-Swarm Interaction, which studies how humans understand, monitor, control, and interact with swarms. Third, we focus on techniques used to specify, verify and validate swarms. Finally, we discuss the future of swarm robotics and conclude by suggesting areas of advancement which may help build human and society’s trust towards robot swarms.