Swarm robotics: principles, research and applications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into swarm robotics by discussing the principles, research and applications. Design/methodology/approach Following an introduction, this paper first describes the key features of robot swarms and then provides examples of early and recent research. It then discusses markets and applications. Finally, brief conclusions are drawn. Findings Robot swarms operate without centralised control and rely on local co-operative behaviours to accomplish a particular task and take inspiration from natural self-organising systems. Research commenced in the early 1990s and attracted interest from the US military. It continues today, both physically and through simulation, with much of the emphasis on practical issues such as improved navigation and collision avoidance. Markets are emerging; the most widely used platforms are drones and the leading applications are military, a situation which is expected to prevail in the future. Other uses include search and rescue and agriculture. As the technology matures, other applications are anticipated in environmental monitoring, logistics and sub-sea surveying. Originality/value This paper provides a technical and commercial review of swarm robotics technology and its applications.