Consensus-based formation of a swarm of quadrotors interacting over ring digraphs

Abstract

This work proposes a cooperative strategy for a group of quadrotors interacting over ring digraphs with macro-vertices of size two. Consensus for a group of general double integrators has been initially investigated, and it has been proved that through a suitable choice of a single controller parameter, consensus and stability of the resulting networked dynamical system can be ensured. This further opens up the possibility of achieving a desired formation and to move a swarm of quadrotors, interacting over ring digraphs, at a desired flight velocity, using a single controller gain. An analysis of achievable velocities is performed. Examples have been provided to offer deeper insights into the obtained analytical results. Simulation studies clearly demonstrate that a desired formation is achieved, starting from arbitrary initial positions, while also ensuring convergence to a final desired flight velocity.