Flexbot: How to Build Autonomous Swarm Applications in Fraction of Time and Money

Effectively managing drone swarms requires more than advanced technology; it requires a system capable of real-time adaptation and dynamic communication. Find out how Flexbot is designed to manage the challenges of coordinating drone swarms.

Robot swarm applications face unique challenges, primarily in ensuring effective communication for shared decision-making and information dissemination. Flexbot is a cutting-edge solution designed to streamline the software development process for robot swarms, such as drone swarms. With its automated tools, Flexbot not only simplifies the creation of communication structures and logging infrastructures, but also provides a blueprint for seamless integration.

The Advantages of Flexbot

1. Simplified Software Development: Flexbot’s automated tools facilitate the development process, providing a clear blueprint for integration and ensuring that each component fits seamlessly within the larger system.
2. Efficient Adaptable Communication Networks: The platform streamlines the interaction between distributed software components, improving development and operational efficiency. Flexbot enables drone swarms to dynamically adapt their communication networks in real-time to optimize performance and resilience under varying conditions.
3. Compatibility: Flexbot is compatible with a range of systems and protocols. It seamlessly integrates with Zenoh, ROS 2, and DDS.
4. Scalability: Flexbot’s standout feature is its scalability. It adeptly handles deployments across various processors and systems without necessitating changes to core algorithms.
5. Reduced Error Potential: With its focus on clarity and specification, Flexbot minimizes errors, ensuring a consistent and up-to-date software infrastructure.
6. Cost Savings: Flexbot cuts operational costs by reducing maintenance expenses and enabling easy scalability. Its efficient design minimizes the need for extensive manual oversight, allowing for cost-effective expansion and management of drone swarms.

Robot Swarm Application Challenges

In a swarm, certain robots may serve as communication nodes, essential for maintaining the flow of information. These systems must dynamically adapt to environmental changes, communication disruptions, and node losses. Diverse roles within the swarm and the need for software consistency across different hardware platforms further complicate the scenario.

Game-Changer for Robot Swarms

Flexbot addresses these challenges head-on, enhancing communication by generating communication networks and protocols from its specifications, saving valuable development time for algorithms and swarming functionality. Capable of managing various communication techniques, it also supports multiple network topologies that can dynamically change, as shown in the Figure 1 below.

The platform’s architectural manageability ensures the software architecture remains organized and aligned with specifications throughout the development process. Documentation is always current, and changes to communication technology or node architecture can be rapidly implemented.

Flexbot Specification

Flexbot Specification of a system provides a clear blueprint for the architecture of drone swarm applications, detailing the structure and key nodes of the system. It includes a thorough list of data exchanges with sophisticated and powerful data types to ensure efficient communication.

The specification defines the communication protocols used to maintain consistent and secure interaction within the swarm. It also outlines the processes and threads that underpin the operation of the system, allowing for more granular management and synchronisation across the architecture.

In the example Figure 2, the green nodes are responsible for swarm intelligence. These nodes process data, make decisions, and coordinate actions among the drones. The orange nodes directly control the movements and mechanics of each drone.

Figure 3 (see below) illustrates an application implemented according to the Flexbot Specification with six drones. The implementation code of the communication network is automatically generated from the specification. The nodes in the network are structured into processes and threads, with each process acting as an independent executable.

The Flexbot platform facilitates advanced swarming features, such as automatic switching of communication channels to maintain network integrity in the event of disruptions or loss of individual nodes. Furthermore, the architecture supports tasks dynamically as needed, ensuring continuous operation and flexibility of the drone swarm despite network changes or challenges.

Safe, Secure and Cost-Effective

Cost savings are evident as Flexbot lowers maintenance costs and simplifies scalability. Its robust design prioritizes safety, security, and performance in complex operations. Moreover, Flexbot’s compatibility with Zenoh, DDS, and ROS2 ensures it integrates smoothly with various systems.

Flexbot stands out as an essential platform for advanced drone operations, adeptly managing the complexities of swarm communication and providing scalable, efficient solutions. Its capacity to maintain consistency in software across diverse hardware configurations offers developers and organizations a strategic advantage, ensuring a secure and cost-effective approach to drone management.

To learn more about Flexbot, keep an eye out for our upcoming white paper, which will offer a detailed look at this innovative platform!

Antti Sauvamäki
Flexbot Product Owner
antti.sauvamaki@atostek.com
+358 40 823 2097