We will propose algorithms and hardware implementations which will allow to optimise locomotion. The first part of this research will be conducted using a multiple robot simulation program developed for the purpose. The second part will involve groups of real robots. This research is supported by the FN . Collective Robotics, Group Locomotion, Navigation, Self-Optimisation.
Some missions given to robot teams include several activities to be carried on concurrently.
The teams would gain in efficiency if they could decide by themselves how to allocate their manpower between the different activities, and adjust this allocation according to the mission progress. Ants, for instance, have found amazing ways to dynamically distribute their workers according to the changing needs of their colony, without central control. The question is studied both with a computer simulation and with a team of Khepera robots. Collective Robotics, Task Allocation, Division of Labor, Self-Optimisation.