Flying Flock: Collective Locomotion

The principle aim of this research is to develop a set of collective minimalist movement algorithms for use on a group of flying autonomous robots. A group of physical robots has been designed and constructed and have been used to demonstrate how swarming and homing in three dimensions can be achieved using only simple rules. The robots employ helium balloons (blimps) and therefore have a limited payload for the propulsion, communication and localisation systems. This inspiration comes from social insects that employ only local sensing and communication and do not directly communicate with all group members.