Dynamic Leader Allocation in Multi-robot Systems Based on Nonlinear Model Predictive Control

This paper presents an approach to the dynamic leader selection problem in autonomous non-holonomic mobile robot formations when the current leader enters a failure state. Our method is based on a tree structure coupled with a modified version of the Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) that allows for behavior change at the controller level. An explanation of the control algorithm, behavior selection, and leader selection structure is given, after which the results of both simulations and experiments using a three robot formation are shown and discussed.