Development of an autonomous micro robot for swarm robotics

Swarm robotic systems which are inspired from social behaviour of animals especially insects are becoming a fascinating topic for multi-robot researchers. Simulation software is mostly used for performing research in swarm robotics due the hardware complexities and cost of robot platforms. However, simulation of large numbers of these swarm robots is extremely complex and often inaccurate. In this paper we present the design of a low-cost, open-platform, autonomous micro robot (Colias) for swarm robotic applications. Colias uses a circular platform with a diameter of 4 cm. Long-range infrared modules with adjustable output power allow the robot to communicate with its direct neighbours. The robot has been tested in individual and swarm scenarios and the observed results demonstrate its feasibility to be used as a micro sized mobile robot as well as a low-cost platform for robot swarm applications.