Skip to main content

Decentralized Multi-tasks Distribution in Heterogeneous Robot Teams by Means of Ant Colony Optimization and Learning Automata

  • Conference paper

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science ((LNAI,volume 7208))

Abstract

This paper focuses on the general problem of coordinating multiple robots. More specifically, it addresses the self-election of heterogeneous specialized tasks by autonomous robots. In this paper we focus on a specifically distributed or decentralized approach as we are particularly interested on decentralized solution where the robots themselves autonomously and in an individual manner, are responsible of selecting a particular task so that all the existing tasks are optimally distributed and executed. In this regard, we have established an experimental scenario to solve the corresponding multi-tasks distribution problem and we propose a solution using two different approaches by applying Ant Colony Optimization-based deterministic algorithms as well as Learning Automata-based probabilistic algorithms. We have evaluated the robustness of the algorithm, perturbing the number of pending loads to simulate the robot’s error in estimating the real number of pending tasks and also the dynamic generation of loads through time. The paper ends with a critical discussion of experimental results.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Buying options

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Gerkey, B., Mataric, M.: Multi-Robot Task Allocation: Analyzing the Complexity and Optimality of Key Architectures. In: IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, pp. 3862–3868 (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  2. Gerkey, B., Mataric, M.: A formal analysis and taxonomy of task allocation in multi-robot systems. Intl. J. of Robotics Research, 939–954 (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Farinelli, A., Locchi, L., Nardi, D.: Multirobot systems: a classification focused on coordination. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man and Cybernetics, 2015–2028 (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  4. Oster, G., Wilson, E.: Caste and ecology in the social insects. Monographs in Population Biology. Princeton Univ. Press (1978)

    Google Scholar 

  5. Robinson, G.: Regulation of division of labor in insect societies. Annu. Rev. Entomol., 637–665 (1992)

    Google Scholar 

  6. Quiñonez, Y., de Lope, J., Maravall, D.: Bio-inspired Decentralized Self-coordination Algorithms for Multi-heterogeneous Specialized Tasks Distribution in Multi-Robot Systems. In: Ferrández, J.M., Álvarez Sánchez, J.R., de la Paz, F., Toledo, F.J. (eds.) IWINAC 2011, Part I. LNCS, vol. 6686, pp. 30–39. Springer, Heidelberg (2011)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  7. Quiñonez, Y., Maravall, D., de Lope, J.: Stochastic Learning Automata for Self-coordination in Heterogeneous Multi-Tasks Selection in Multi-Robot Systems. In: Batyrshin, I., Sidorov, G. (eds.) MICAI 2011, Part I. LNCS, vol. 7094, pp. 443–453. Springer, Heidelberg (2011)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  8. Gerkey, B., Mataric, M.: Multi-robot task allocation: analyzing the complexity and optimality of key architectures. In: IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, pp. 3862–3868 (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  9. Narendra, K., Thathachar, M.: Learning Automata: An Introduction. Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs (1989)

    Google Scholar 

  10. Narendra, K., Thathachar, M.: Learning Automata: A Survey. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics, 323–334 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  11. Obaidat, M., Papadimitriou, G., Pomportsis, A.: Guest Editorial Learning Automata: Theory, Paradigms, and Applications. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics–Part B: Cybernetics, 706–709 (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  12. Maravall, D., De Lope, J.: Fusion of Learning Automata Theory and Granular Inference Systems: ANLAGIS. Applications to Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning. Neurocomputing 74, 1237–1242 (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  13. Narendra, K., Wright, E., Mason, L.: Applications of Learning Automata to Telephone Traffic Routing and Control. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics, 785–792 (1977)

    Google Scholar 

  14. Narendra, K., Viswanathan, R.: A Two-Level System of Schotastic Automata for Periodic Random Environments. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics, 285–289 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  15. Dorigo, M., Maniezzo, V., Colorni, A.: The ant system: an autocatalytic optimizing process, Technical Report TR91-016, Politecnico di Milano (1991)

    Google Scholar 

  16. Dorigo, M.: Optimization, learning and natural algorithms. PhD thesis, Dipartimento di Elettronica, Politecnico di Milano, Milan (1992)

    Google Scholar 

  17. Dorigo, M., Blum, C.: Ant colony optimization theory: A survey. Theoretical Computer Science 344(2-3), 243–278 (2005)

    Article  MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this paper

Cite this paper

de Lope, J., Maravall, D., Quiñonez, Y. (2012). Decentralized Multi-tasks Distribution in Heterogeneous Robot Teams by Means of Ant Colony Optimization and Learning Automata. In: Corchado, E., Snášel, V., Abraham, A., Woźniak, M., Graña, M., Cho, SB. (eds) Hybrid Artificial Intelligent Systems. HAIS 2012. Lecture Notes in Computer Science(), vol 7208. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-28942-2_10

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-28942-2_10

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-28941-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-28942-2

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics