Multi-UAV Collaborative Target Search Method in Unknown Dynamic Environment

Abstract

The challenge of search inefficiency arises when multiple UAV swarms conduct dynamic target area searches in unknown environments. The primary sources of this inefficiency are repeated searches in the target region and the dynamic motion of targets. To address this issue, we present the distributed adaptive real-time planning search (DAPSO) technique, which enhances the search efficiency for dynamic targets in uncertain mission situations. To minimize repeated searches, UAVs utilize localized communication for information exchange and dynamically update their situational awareness regarding the mission environment, facilitating collaborative exploration. To mitigate the effects of target mobility, we develop a dynamic mission planning method based on local particle swarm optimization, enabling UAVs to adjust their search trajectories in response to real-time environmental inputs. Finally, we propose a distance-based inter-vehicle collision avoidance strategy to ensure safety during multi-UAV cooperative searches. The experimental findings demonstrate that the proposed DAPSO method significantly outperforms other search strategies regarding the coverage and target detection rates.