Algorithm and Experimental Verification of Self-Assembling Platform Based on Cooperative Control

Abstract

A method for constructing a novel offshore platform was proposed. Based on the cooperative control of multiple unmanned vessels, a self-assembling platform was realized, which could be reconfigured into different shapes according to requirements. A docking controller was designed to realize the docking of two modules. A connecting rod and electromagnetic forces were adopted to complete the docking and reduce the difficulty. Besides, a test site was constructed using the conditions of pool, and a model test was performed to verify the functions of the proposed self-assembling platform. The results show that the design can realize the docking of any unmanned vessel. Compared with the single platform, this self-assembling platform can perform more complex tasks, whose decentralized design makes it more flexible and reliable.

Keywords

• self-assembling
• unmanned vessel
• offshore platform
• cooperative control