Deadlock-free dynamic resource assignment in multi-robot systems with multiple missions: application in wireless sensor networks

Abstract

In unstructured environments, dynamic resource assignment is required for effective cooperation of robot teams. In some scenarios, robots are in charge of executing multiple missions simultaneously. This creates risks of deadlock due to the presence of shared resources among various missions. The main contribution of this paper is the development of a novel approach that combines the one-step look-ahead deadlock avoidance policy with dynamic resource assignment. The dynamic resource assignment is achieved using greedy resource assignment for multi-mission robot teams in the framework of a matrix-based discrete event controller. Simulation results are presented in MATLAB® to discuss in detail the proposed control strategy. The paper also discusses the toolkit developed in LabVIEW® which is used to implement this control framework using a suitable example.