Swarm Robotics: Overview Flashcards
What is decentralization in swarm robotics?
Decentralization means no single robot has overarching control, with each operating independently.
Why is decentralization important in swarm robotics?
It increases robustness by removing the vulnerability of a single point of failure.
Can decentralized swarm systems continue functioning if individual robots fail?
Yes, because control is distributed among all robots.
What is self-organization in swarm robotics?
Self-organization refers to the ability of the system to form patterns and structures without external guidance.
How does self-organization help swarm robotics?
It allows the robots to collectively achieve complex tasks using simple rules.
What does scalability mean in the context of swarm robotics?
Scalability means the system can handle varying numbers of robots without requiring changes to control algorithms.
How does scalability benefit swarm robotic systems?
It ensures that the swarm can function effectively with any number of robots.
What is emergent behavior in swarm robotics?
Emergent behavior occurs when simple local interactions between robots lead to complex group behavior.
Give an example of emergent behavior in swarm robotics.
For example, robots adapting their formation based on the terrain they encounter.
What is communication like in swarm robotics?
Communication is typically local and indirect, relying on environmental cues or simple message passing.
Why is communication kept simple in swarm robotics?
Simple communication reduces the bandwidth needed and increases system efficiency.
What is the difference between homogeneous and heterogeneous swarms?
Homogeneous swarms have identical robots, while heterogeneous swarms have robots with different capabilities.
What are the advantages of homogeneous swarms?
Homogeneous swarms are simpler to design and coordinate.
What are the advantages of heterogeneous swarms?
Heterogeneous swarms can specialize and accomplish more complex tasks.
What makes swarm robotics systems robust?
Swarm robotics systems are robust because they can tolerate individual robot failures without affecting the overall mission.
Why is fault tolerance important in swarm robotics?
Fault tolerance ensures that the swarm can continue operating even if some robots fail.
What is local sensing and actuation in swarm robotics?
Robots have limited sensors and actuators, which means they can only perceive their immediate surroundings.
How do robots overcome their limited sensing capabilities?
By sharing information with nearby robots, they can build a global understanding of the environment.
What were the main focuses of early swarm robotics research?
Early research focused on mimicking insect behavior and developing simple algorithms for self-organization.
What advancements in the 2010s helped swarm robotics evolve?
Advancements in communication and coordination allowed robots to solve more complex problems.
How has machine learning influenced swarm robotics?
Machine learning has made swarms more adaptable and capable of learning from their environment.
What role does miniaturization play in swarm robotics?
Miniaturization has led to the development of microrobots and nanorobots, enabling new medical applications.
How might swarm robotics impact healthcare?
Swarm robotics could revolutionize healthcare with nanobots for targeted drug delivery and minimally invasive surgery.
What are some potential environmental applications of swarm robotics?
Swarm robots could monitor ecosystems, track endangered species, or respond to natural disasters.
How could swarm robotics be integrated into urban systems?
In smart cities, swarm robots could manage traffic, waste, and public safety.
What are some potential uses of swarm robotics in space exploration?
Swarm robots could explore planetary surfaces, collect samples, or mine resources.
What is the role of swarm robotics in defense and security?
Swarm robotics could be used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and even autonomous defense operations.
