Methods for selecting a path of a multi-component end effector along a surface, robots that perform the methods, and storage media that directs robots to perform the methods

Methods for selecting a path of a multi-component end effector along a surface, robots that perform the methods, and storage media that directs robots to perform the methods. The multi-component end effector is attached to a robot, which is configured to move the multi-component end effector along the surface on a continuous tool centerpoint path (TCP). The multi-component end effector includes a plurality of end effector elements configured to move relative to one another. The method includes providing a discretized TCP that includes a plurality of spaced-apart waypoints along the continuous TCP. The method also includes determining a plurality of distance heuristics. The method further includes updating the plurality of distance heuristics to define a plurality of updated distance heuristics. The method also includes selecting the path of the multi-component end effector along the surface based upon the plurality of updated distance heuristics.