This project explored a range of issues surrounding the development of powerful algorithms for collaborative decision making between multiple, independent robots operating in a dynamic environment. The effectiveness, robustness, scaleability and fault tolerance of algorithms were tested with the use of state-of-the-art robotic equipment. The combination of software advances developed in this project together with hardware developments by the industrial partner has provided insights into the use of systems of autonomous mobile robots in exploring hostile and unknown environments.

Project staff and support

Joseph Baxter (Postgraduate Associate, University of Nottingham)
Jon Garibaldi (Academic supervisor, University of Nottingham)
Edmund Burke (Academic supervisor, University of Nottingham)
Mark Norman (Industrial supervisor, Merlin Systems)
Melvin Brown (Technology Translator, Industrial Mathematics KTN)

This project was carried out at the University of Nottingham, in conjunction with Merlin Systems. It was supported by an EPSRC industrial CASE award, made available through the Faraday Partnership for Industrial Mathematics. Start date: October 2004; duration: 3.5 years.

During his 3-month stay at Merlin Systems, Joseph Baxter wrote a plugin driver for the Player project, which is the robotic controller of choice for many robot laboratories throughout the world. Joseph now works at Orbis Technologies.