An Overview of Swarm Robotics for Search and Rescue Applications

Abstract

The area of research presented in this chapter focuses on swarm robotics, which is a particular domain of multi-robot systems (MRS) that embodies the mechanisms of swarm intelligence into robotics. More specifically, this chapter overviews the applicability of swarm robotic solutions into search and rescue (SaR) real-world missions. In this chapter, SaR operations are considered as a vital target application wherein swarm robotics can be applied due to their inherent level of complexity. Such operations often occur in highly dynamic and large scenarios, with harsh and faulty conditions, that pose several problems to traditional MRS applicability. This chapter focuses on these problems highlighting the challenges that cannot be handled appropriately by simple adaptation of traditional algorithms, planning, control and decision-making techniques. Request access from your librarian to read this chapter's full text.