Formation Algorithm with Local Minimum Escape for Unicycle Robots

Abstract

This paper presents formation control based on potential functions for unicycle robots. The unicycle robots move to formation position which is made from a reference point and neighboring robots. In the framework, a local minimum case occurred by combination of potential repulsed from neighboring robots and potential attracted from a formation line is presented, in which the robot escapes from a local minimum using a virtual escape point after recognizing trapped situation. As well, in the paper, potential functions are designed to keep the same distance between neighboring robots on a formation line, i.e. the relative distance between neighboring robots on a formation line is controlled by a potential function parameter. The simulation results show that the proposed approach can effectively construct straight line, V, and polygon formation for multiple robots.