DISTRIBUTED FORMATION CONTROL AND OBSTACLE AVOIDANCE OF MULTI-ROBOT SYSTEM

Abstract

This paper proposes a distributed control method for multi-mobile robots to avoid obstacles. Firstly, the Limit Cycle (LC) method is exploited to set the reference trajectory for robots to avoid obstacles. Secondly, the control rule that control a leading robot following the reference path is introduced. Thirdly, the algorithm that controls robots moving in a formation and avoiding obstacles based on the combination of the LC method and the reference trajectory tracking algorithm. Different from the distributed control algorithm in related documents, the algorithm in this paper ensures that the robot formation is not only maintained but also avoids obstacles when moving to the target. Finally, simulation and experimental results are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.