Controlling formations of multiple mobile robots

Abstract

We investigate feedback laws used to control multiple robots moving together in a formation. We propose a method for controlling formations that uses only local sensor-based information, in a leader-follower motion. We use methods of feedback linearization to exponentially stabilize the relative distance and orientation of the follower, and show that the zero dynamics of the system are also (asymptotically) stable. We demonstrate in simulation the use of these algorithms to control six robots moving around an obstacle. These types of control laws can be used to control arbitrarily large numbers of robots moving in very general types of formations.