Decentralized Search by Unmanned Air Vehicles Using Local Communication

We present a model consisting of an emergent procedure for n unpiloted, autonomous flying munitions to cooperatively conduct a parallel sweeping search of a geographic area for specific targets. The control of the unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) is decentralized and follows the reactive, behavior-based design philosophy. Global communication is not available to the UAVs; rather, they rely on passive sensors and minimal amounts of short-range, inter-UAV communication. The model is implemented and successfully demonstrated in an agent-based, simulated battlefield environment. The results of the simulation indicate that the emergent, behavior-based search procedure for UAVs is effective, robust, and scalable. It is especially well suited for numerous, small, inexpensive, and expendable UAVs. Key-Words: Adaptive Flying Munitions, Autonomous Behaviors, Emergent Intelligence, Cooperative Search, Unpiloted Air Vehicles.