Formation control based on virtual space configuration for multi-robot collective navigation

Abstract

This paper presents a formation-control method based on virtual-space configuration for multi-robot, collective navigation. To maintain the configuration of a multiple-robot formation, each robot creates a virtual space composed of virtual robots around it, so that it can avoid collisions with, and keep a constant distance from, the other robots. In addition, this paper suggests a method by which follower robots might access the outer contour of the virtual space of the leader robot to determine their headings and to maintain a safe configuration of leader and follower robots.