An agent-based simulation for multi-UAVs coordinative sensing

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present a model developed for emergent formation of multi-unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into functional teams that cooperatively complete a mission in which they search for specific mobile targets and escape obstacles. Design/methodology/approach - The design and development of distributed UAVs simulator use agent-based platform employing a decentralized control which follows the flocking behavior-based design philosophy. Findings - The results of the simulation indicate that the emergent behavior-based search procedure for UAVs is autonomous, effective and robust. It is especially well suited for emergent teams to quickly solve dynamic teaming and task allocation. Practical implications - The development of a UAV is expensive, and a small error in automatic control results in a crash. Therefore, the platform is useful to develop and verify the coordination behavior of UAVs through software simulation prior to real testing. Originality/value - The proposed emergent behavior simulated environment is working on an agent-based UAV simulated platform, and hence, it naturally adapts to the behavior of a distributed and concurrent situation. The authors' can easily improvise the execution environment without changing the UAV simulator.