Target-surroundings and search-and-rescue using kilobots

This study proposes the use of the Kilobots, robots which are capable of differential drive locomotion, on-board computation, and communication, to simulate swarm behaviors in executing military operations. This study covers the design and implementation of a (1) Target-Surrounding algorithm, and (2) Search-and-Rescue algorithms using a group of 10 Kilobots with three basic roles: searcher, walker, target, and base. The results of multiple trials reveal that the Target-Surrounding algorithm successfully surrounded the target with at least 5 Kilobots in 9 out of 15 trials. As for the search algorithms, each was found to have its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of the execution speed and the dimensions of the environment where it can be most effective. The results of this study also contributed information to the capabilities and limitations of the Kilobots