Abstract

The rapid growth of e-commerce and the increasing demand for efficient supply chain management have led to the widespread adoption of automation in warehouses. One of the most transformative advancements in this domain is the deployment of multi-robot systems for various tasks, such as sorting, picking, packing, and transporting goods. This abstract provides an overview of the key concepts, methodologies, and challenges associated with multi-robot control in warehouse environments. Multi-robot control involves the coordination of multiple robots to work together harmoniously to achieve common objectives, thereby improving operational efficiency and productivity. The core aspects of multi-robot control in warehouses include task allocation, path planning, collision avoidance, and communication. Task allocation is the process of assigning specific tasks to individual robots based on their capabilities, locations, and the overall system objectives. Effective task allocation ensures balanced workload distribution and minimizes idle time, thereby enhancing throughput. Path planning is crucial for ensuring that robots navigate the warehouse efficiently while avoiding obstacles and other robots. Various algorithms, such as A*, Dijkstra's, and potential field methods, are employed to generate optimal paths for robots. These algorithms consider factors like distance, travel time, and energy consumption. Collision avoidance is another critical aspect, requiring real-time decision-making to prevent robots from colliding with each other or with static obstacles. Techniques like dynamic window approach, velocity obstacles, and predictive control are used to address this challenge. Communication among robots and with the central control system is essential for coordinated operations. Wireless communication technologies, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enable data exchange, allowing robots to share information about their status, positions, and planned actions. This communication is vital for maintaining situational awareness and adapting to changes in the warehouse environment, such as the introduction of new tasks or the presence of unexpected obstacles.