Optimizing Master-Slave Communication in Collaborative Robotics Using IoT-Enabled Robot Interaction

Abstract

Swarm robotics involves coordinating the behaviour of multiple robots to perform complex tasks collaboratively. Our study explores using low-cost NodeMCU ESP8266 devices to establish master-slave communication in swarm robotics utilizing the Internet of Things (IoT), focusing on different network topologies: star, mesh, and ring. Unlike existing research that uses more expensive or less accessible technologies, our approach demonstrates that these affordable devices can effectively manage communication and coordination in swarm systems. Our experiments reveal that the star topology is the most efficient for master-slave communication, allowing for aggregation, pattern formation, and coordinated motion tasks. This research highlights the potential of using low- cost devices for efficient communication in swarm robotics, offering significant implications for various industries.