A Multi-Layer, Multi-Robot Control Architecture for Long-Range, Dynamic Communication Links

A unified motion control architecture is presented for dynamic, long-range multi-robot communications networks, incorporating task abstraction that disassociates goals from implementation. In the task space, communication link states are specified, directly measured, and explicitly controlled yielding well-behaved task state trajectories. The control architecture uses task-level compensation to generate multi-robot formation mobility commands, and a cluster space controller transforms those formation commands to mobility commands for individual robots. The number of robots are selected to meet communications requirements and controlled through a multi-task coordination capability incorporated within the architecture. Robustness to performance commands, system configuration parameters, and external disturbances is demonstrated through a variety of simulations and experiments. These show how robots are dynamically positioned and switched into or out of operation in order to meet communications requirements