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Researchers developed Mercator, a modular robot for swarm robotics experiments. This affordable platform enhances swarm studies with modern sensing and communication, bridging the gap to real-world applications.

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Area of Science:

  • Robotics
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Science

Background:

  • Swarm robotics research is hindered by a lack of modern, reliable, and affordable experimental platforms.
  • Existing commercial robots often have outdated or insufficient sensing, computation, and communication capabilities for contemporary research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce Mercator, a novel modular mobile robot platform designed for contemporary swarm robotics studies.
  • To provide a low-cost, extensible solution that integrates advanced capabilities for laboratory and indoor environments.

Main Methods:

  • Designed Mercator as a modular mobile robot with integrated on-board object and people recognition.
  • Equipped Mercator with short- and long-range obstacle detection, ceiling-based tracking, and local, decentralized communication.
  • Focused on creating an extensible, low-cost package to meet modern mobile robotics standards.

Main Results:

  • Mercator integrates advanced perception, navigation, and communication capabilities essential for current swarm research.
  • The platform facilitates alignment between laboratory swarm experiments and real-world robotic systems.
  • Mercator has already been utilized in peer-reviewed scientific work and master's theses.

Conclusions:

  • Mercator addresses the critical need for accessible, modern robot platforms in swarm robotics research.
  • The platform enables more realistic and advanced swarm studies, fostering innovation in the field.
  • Future research and teaching will benefit from the expanded use of Mercator.