Swarms of Autonomous Systems– coexistence or chaos in challenging environments (SAS)

Too often, robots cannot be used in applications where they otherwise might make a real economic impact.

Background

Swarms of Autonomous Systems– coexistence or chaos in challenging environments (SAS)

Little general knowledge exists about the challenges that the robotics industry faces when robotic swarm solutions are deployed. Too often, robots cannot be used in applications where they otherwise might make a real economic impact. Among the reasons is e.g. the interference of the onboard electro-mechanical elements with the sensing system to be deployed by the robot. Further, there is a risk that the scientific and technological developments might be blocked by current regulation on product safety (e.g. EMC- and Radio directives (EMCD and RED)) as well as functionalities might be corrupted by cross-interference or saturation of the communication channels having limited available data transfer. The problem is expected to increase if several robotic solutions are deployed as a swarm of autonomous systems collaborating to perform a common task.

Purpose / Vision

DTU and FORCE Technology endeavour to investigate both potentials and challenges of digitization using self-organized swarms or clusters of autonomous systems in this collaboration project. It is planned to investigate functional performance enhancements (resp. to single drones), electromagnetic co-existence in close proximity in challenging electrical environments, and environmental challenges from aggressive environments such as in e.g. hospitals, industry, agricultural applications and environmental monitoring. Subsequently, the results of the investigation is disseminated to members of Odense Robotics.

Expected results

The project will develop and verify the technological feasibility of this new type of technology in real world application i.e. the outcome is a demonstration TRL5 (Technology validated in relevant environment) which will serve as a proof-of-concept for application for national and international funding as well as to initiate business relations among the business partners participating in the project.