Multi robot exploration using an advanced multi-objective salp swarm algorithm for efficient coverage and performance

This work introduces the Advanced Multi-Objective Salp Swarm Algorithm Exploration Technique (AMET), which is a novel optimization framework designed to enhance the efficiency and robustness of multi-robot exploration. AMET combines the deterministic structure of Coordinated Multi-Robot Exploration (CME) with the adaptive search capabilities of the Multi-Objective Salp Swarm Algorithm (MSSA) to achieve a balanced trade-off between exploration efficiency and mapping accuracy. To validate its effectiveness, AMET is compared to both multi-objective and single-objective exploration strategies, including CME combined with Multi-Objective Grey Wolf Optimizer (CME-MGWO), Multi-Objective Ant Colony Optimization (CME-MACO), Multi-Objective Dragonfly Algorithm (CME-MODA), and the single-objective CME with traditional Salp Swarm Algorithm (CME-SSA). The evaluation focuses on four critical performance metrics: runtime efficiency, exploration area coverage, mission completion resilience, and the reduction of redundant exploration. Experimental results across multiple case studies demonstrate that AMET consistently outperforms both single-objective and multi-objective counterparts, achieving superior area coverage, reduced computational overhead, and enhanced exploration coordination. These findings highlight the potential of AMET as a scalable and efficient approach for robotic exploration, providing a foundation for future advancements in multi-robot systems. The proposed method opens new possibilities for applications in search-and-rescue operations, planetary surface exploration, and large-scale environmental monitoring.