Advanced swarm robots addressing innovative tasks such as assembly, search, rescue, mapping, communication, aerial and other original applications

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review some of the various worldwide projects to develop and apply innovative swarm-type robots to many challenging applications.

Design/methodology/approach

An in-depth review of published information and interviews with researchers and developers of swarm robot technology were conducted.

Findings

Swarm robots continue to be developed to match an ever-increasing number of interesting and innovative applications.

Practical implications

Readers may be very surprised at the tasks that autonomous swarm robots can address and the developments that are underway to further extend the abilities of swarm robots.

Originality/value

This paper is a review of a wide range of the latest swarm robot developments, innovations and applications.

Citation

Bloss, R. (2014), "Advanced swarm robots addressing innovative tasks such as assembly, search, rescue, mapping, communication, aerial and other original applications", Industrial Robot, Vol. 41 No. 5, pp. 408-412. https://doi.org/10.1108/IR-05-2014-0337