Dispersion and exploration algorithms for robots in unknown environments

Abstract

We study the problem of dispersing a group of small robots in an unknown environment. The objective is to cover the environment as much as possible while staying within communications range. We assume there is no central control, the environment is unknown and with complex obstacles, the robots operate without any central control, and have only limited communications with other robots and limited sensing capabilities. We present algorithms and validate them experimentally in the Player/Stage simulation environment.