Development of Bio-Inspired Roving Swarm Test Platform

Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?

Graduate

Project Type

group

Campus

Daytona Beach

Authors' Class Standing

Rasika Kale, Graduate Noa Teed, Senior

Lead Presenter's Name

Rasika Kale

Lead Presenter's College

DB College of Engineering

Faculty Mentor Name

Bryan Watson

Abstract

The first crucial step in testing a bio-inspired system based on the behavior of eusocial insect colonies is to identify their basic motion, sensing and feedback abilities. We have created a colony of 24 robots or a “Roving Swarm” to mimic these insects with low computation requirements. These robots can perform 3 DOF translational motion and 1 DOF rotational motion. This motion is simulated and implemented with Arduino 33 IoT with power output from 1.2V batteries. DC motors connected to the batteries power the motion of wheels. A ball bearing placement with structural symmetry and selective power output provides the rotation. The main sensing ability is vision through Pixy2 cameras which will help the swarm to detect the light and color emitted from other robots and external light sources. This mounted vision system enables real-time tracking of fellow swarm members. This ability will help us to evaluate the swarm’s response to light density, colors, and respective response to the motion of other robots in the swarm. The next significant step in this project is to build a test bed of 400 square feet with set boundaries. The bio-inspired system program will be implemented and tested within this space.

Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?

No

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Development of Bio-Inspired Roving Swarm Test Platform

The first crucial step in testing a bio-inspired system based on the behavior of eusocial insect colonies is to identify their basic motion, sensing and feedback abilities. We have created a colony of 24 robots or a “Roving Swarm” to mimic these insects with low computation requirements. These robots can perform 3 DOF translational motion and 1 DOF rotational motion. This motion is simulated and implemented with Arduino 33 IoT with power output from 1.2V batteries. DC motors connected to the batteries power the motion of wheels. A ball bearing placement with structural symmetry and selective power output provides the rotation. The main sensing ability is vision through Pixy2 cameras which will help the swarm to detect the light and color emitted from other robots and external light sources. This mounted vision system enables real-time tracking of fellow swarm members. This ability will help us to evaluate the swarm’s response to light density, colors, and respective response to the motion of other robots in the swarm. The next significant step in this project is to build a test bed of 400 square feet with set boundaries. The bio-inspired system program will be implemented and tested within this space.