Power Optimization in Mobile Robots Using a Real-Time Heuristic

Abstract

Mobile robots typically run using finite energy resources, supplied by finite batteries. The limitation of energy resources requires human intervention for recharging the batteries. To reduce human intervention, this work focuses on coordinating power in a group of robots. A power optimization subroutine provides some sense of distribution of power by the control unit (CU). A variety of on-board sensors, actuators, and communication modules are controlled by a heuristic-based controller class allowing such components to conserve the current taken from the attached power source. Using the proposed approach, autonomous robots will be aware of their power system, especially regarding battery life. The new approach takes advantage of a heuristic function which uses evaluation values calculated at different times for the different robots. An experimental setup is applied on the team of robots. The optimization module is evaluated on each robot. The results show that the team of mobile robots consumes less energy and more efficient power regulation during their duties. Finally, the application of the proposed optimization technique in a distributed manner achieves good power saving figures when performing the particular task.