A test bed for investigating self-x properties in multi-robot societies

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce a test bed for demonstrating and investigating self-x properties, such as self-optimization and self-organization, within the scope of multi-robot societies under realistic conditions. By doing so, we shift the investigation and demonstration of biologically inspired mechanisms from the simulative point of view to a dynamic and more complex realistic environment. For this purpose, we developed a controlled real-world environment to overcome common problems such as self-localization. Furthermore, we elaborated a concept for a descriptive robotic real-world game. By means of this game, we provide an instrument, which is easily accessible for any kind of audience on the one hand, while it still leaves enough space for an extensive scientific investigation on the other hand.