Decentralized task sequencing and multiple mission control for heterogeneous robotic networks

In this paper a novel decentralized approach for task sequencing within a multiple missions control framework is presented. The main contribution of this work concerns the decentralization of a control framework for multiple mission execution in order to enhance the robustness of the system, and the application of the latter to a heterogeneous robotic network. The proposed approach is based on the Matrix based Discrete Event Framework (MDEF). This formalism is adapted to networks of heterogeneous robots, i.e., robots with different capabilities, and to the decentralized control of mission execution using a consensus-based approach which guarantees the agreement among robots on executed actions and their consequences.