A Formalism for the Composition of Loosely Coupled Robot Behaviors

Abstract

We address the problem of controlling large distributed robotic systems such as factories. We introduce tools which help us compose local, hybrid control programs for a class of distributed robotic systems, assuming a palette of controller for individual tasks is already constructed. These tools, which combine backchaining behaviors with Petri Nets, expand on successful work in sequential composition of robot behaviors. We apply these ideas to the design of a robotic bucket brigade and simple, distributed assembly tasks.