In this paper, grey wolf optimization controller (GWOC) is considered as a multiobjective technique for multiple humanoid navigations. Upon activation of GWOC, the humanoids mimic the group hunting behavior of grey wolves and navigate toward the target in a collision-free manner in presence of both static and dynamic hurdles. The wolves in the pack will either diverge for searching prey or converge together for attacking the prey following the best search agent (Leader Alpha). GWOC has the ability to keep the humanoid free from being trapped in local minima whereas it facilitates it to head toward global minima. GWOC provides better results as compared to other intelligent techniques because of its five characteristics that include safe boundary, protection, following, hunting, and caring. Both simulation and experimental navigation in laboratory conditions for single as well as for multiple humanoid NAOs have been carried out. From the results of simulation and experimental data, it is confirmed that GWOC provides global minima for humanoid robots in complex environments with different shaped obstacles. A Petri-net controller is considered while navigating multiple humanoids, as during multiple humanoid navigations, one humanoid robot acts as a dynamic obstacle to other humanoids.
K E Y W O R D SGWOC, NAO humanoid, navigation, petri-net model
INTRODUCTIONLot of research works have been performed for path navigation of mobile robots, biped robots, and industrial robots by using both classical and artificial intelligent techniques. But there is still some improvement needed to avoid the trapping of robots in local minima. Today, the main challenging task for researchers is the path navigation of humanoids having multidegrees of freedom by using computational methods. Though several researchers are working on it, still it is in virtue to obtain the best intelligent method for effective and efficient navigation. For this purpose, grey wolf optimization controller (GWOC) is considered. The humanoid NAO considered for this research work is developed by ALDEBARAN robotics France, which is having 25 degrees of freedom. 1 There are sensors for detecting the obstacles, cameras to take the images of hurdles, motors, actuators, and batteries to perform the predefined tasks. The obstacle distances and shape of the obstacles are detected by inbuilt ultrasonic sensors and camera mount on the head. The programmed GWOC activates when NAO finds any obstacle in its path while heading toward target. Several researchers have worked toward the navigation of different kinds of robots using many intelligent techniques as path navigation of robots plays a Comp Anim Virtual Worlds. 2020;31:e1919. wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cav