An agent‐based simulation for multi‐UAVs coordinative sensing

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a model developed for emergent formation of multi‐unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into functional teams that cooperatively complete a mission in which they search for specific mobile targets and escape obstacles.Design/methodology/approachThe design and development of distributed UAVs simulator use agent‐based platform employing a decentralized control which follows the flocking behavior‐based design philosophy.FindingsThe results of the simulation indicate that the emergent behavior‐based search procedure for UAVs is autonomous, effective and robust. It is especially well suited for emergent teams to quickly solve dynamic teaming and task allocation.Practical implicationsThe development of a UAV is expensive, and a small error in automatic control results in a crash. Therefore, the platform is useful to develop and verify the coordination behavior of UAVs through software simulation prior to real testing.Originality/valueThe proposed emergent behavior simulated environment is working on an agent‐based UAV simulated platform, and hence, it naturally adapts to the behavior of a distributed and concurrent situation. The authors' can easily improvise the execution environment without changing the UAV simulator.