Swarms: From Biology to Robotics and Back

Swarm robotics focuses on systems of large numbers of robots, independently controlled, limited in capabilities, with the goal of reliably achieving collective tasks despite individually unreliable agents. These systems are inspired by groups of animals in nature, such as flocking birds, schooling fish, and colonies of social insects. The goal of this workshop is to bring together researchers in both the robotics and biology communities with a shared interest in swarm systems. The day will feature keynote presentations by eminent experts on recent research; directed small-group discussions with both senior and junior researchers; and an open discussion session with posters and demonstrations, the latter featuring hardware, simulations, and live insects. Through these presentations and opportunities for conversation, we hope to facilitate cross-pollination between the two communities. Two overarching goals are to catalyze new inspirations for artificial systems based on studies of natural ones, and to identify principles from engineered swarms that can help to explain the operation of animal collectives. This is a full-day workshop on swarms in robotics and nature, to be held at ICRA 2018, Brisbane, Australia, on Friday, May 25. We invite extended abstracts for poster presentations, and demonstrations of both physical and simulated systems. Researchers who work in any area of collective behavior are welcomed to participate. Early-career researchers are especially encouraged to apply!