3D self-deployment of jumping robot sensor nodes for improving network performance in obstacle dense environment

Abstract

Wireless sensor node deployment in unconstructed environments affects the network’s connectivity. This paper presents the 3D self-deployment of jumping robot sensor nodes (JRSNs), which can jump over and onto obstacles to enhance network performance. The effects of JRSNs’ 3D deployment on network connectivity and energy consumption are simulated first. Then, we propose a localization method by the fusion of ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, inertial navigation system (INS), and jumping error model for JRSNs’ precise locomotion during deployment. Moreover, we propose path planning and deployment algorithms considering the JRSNs’ locomotion pattern and obstacles. Finally, we conducted experiments on the localization and deployment of JRSNs in an outdoor environment. The results verified the feasibility of the proposed method and algorithms. The JRSNs’ deployment error was smaller than 25 cm. The network connectivity was improved significantly by 57.70% with the 3D deployment. The JRSNs can deploy autonomously for various applications in obstacle-rich environments.