23.15.3. Communication and Coordination

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is swarm robotics?

   Hint

   Think about how ants or bees coordinate.

2. 2.

   Define stigmergy.

   Hint

   It's how robots communicate indirectly.

3. 3.

   What does stigmergy refer to?

   • Direct communication
   • Indirect communication through environments
   • Communication using sound

   Hint

   Think about how ants communicate without talking.

4. 4.

   True or False: Local sensing helps robots to navigate and make decisions based on their immediate surroundings.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider what a robot needs to function effectively.

5. 5.

   You are tasked with designing a swarm of robots for tunnel inspection. Discuss how you would implement stigmergy and local sensing to ensure efficient operation.

   Hint

   Think about signal systems and how they can help organize tasks.

6. 6.

   In a scenario where one robot fails in a collective task, explain how local sensing could help other robots compensate for the lost work.

   Hint

   Consider how robots might 'see' their environment and how teamwork could express that.