Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Publication

Flexible autonomous robotic task scheduling using advanced RISC machines

Zaccagni, Zachary James
Citations
Altmetric:
Other Names
Location
Time Period
Original Date
Digitization Date
Issue Date
2008-08
Type
Thesis
Genre
Keywords
Subjects (LCSH)
Electronic dissertations
Electronic dissertations
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Citation
Abstract
This research presents two methods for a group of Garcia robots to collaboratively decide which task to attend to, and to move to their respective locations. One method allows for a needed flexibility and dynamic analysis in this distributed system of any number of robots coupled with any number of target locations, but is tied too closely to distance measurements. The other method is the implementation of Peter Molnar’s approach, which is free from any specificity for determining preferences, but is shown to have some other limitations. The packet loss problem inherent of broadcast communications is addressed, as well. The robots make decisions interdependently with the other robots after the initial setup from a host computer of common environment variables such as a map, robot and target locations. A distributed network was established first for the robots so that information could be shared. Beacon messages were broadcasted at random intervals, while the robots handled TCP and UDP messages in separate threads. Once the needed data was acquired, each robot began their task scheduling decision-making process. If additional information was required from another robot still, a robot requested it. Our algorithm for task scheduling converged to an agreement rapidly, and resolved any possible gridlocks that occurred when two robots are exactly the same distance and with the highest preference for a single target. This method is found to be too closely tied into distance measures being used for preferences. Changes in the environment, such as new robots or targets, are handled during subsequent calls to decide for both methods. The result of this thesis shows two flexible and quick methods for task scheduling and assignment.
Table of Contents
Description
Thesis (M.S.)--Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Computer Science
Includes bibliographic references (leaves 56-57)
Publisher
Wichita State University
Journal
Book Title
Series
Digital Collection
Finding Aid URL
Use and Reproduction
Copyright 2008 by Zachary James Zaccagni. All Rights Reserved
Archival Collection
PubMed ID
DOI
ISSN
EISSN
Embedded videos