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IJMERR 2025 Vol.14(2):212-228
doi: 10.18178/ijmerr.14.2.212-228

Formation Control of Mobile Robots Using a Beacon-Based Algorithm with Alternating Node Activation

Le Minh Triet and Nguyen Truong Thinh *
Institute of Intelligent and Interactive Technologies, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City -UEH, Vietnam
Email: lmt30062003@gmail.com (L.M.T.); thinhnt@ueh.edu.vn (N.T.T.)
*Corresponding author

Manuscript received December 3, 2024; revised January 15, 2025; accepted February 14, 2025; published April 27, 2025

Abstract—In this study, we present a dynamic robotic formation control algorithm designed to manage multiple nodes of robots that alternate activity in a coordinated manner. The approach leverages a combination of alternating activation, formation maintenance, and collision detection mechanisms to ensure robust performance in environments with multiple robotic units. Specifically, the algorithm activates different nodes of robots in a predefined sequence, allowing them to take turns executing tasks while maintaining a stable formation. Each robot in the active node computes its direction based on a potential field method, balancing attractive and repulsive forces to maintain desired distances from other robots and stationary points. Additionally, our algorithm integrates collision detection to prevent overlap and ensure safe movement of the robots. This framework was implemented and tested in a simulated environment, demonstrating its effectiveness in maintaining formations and preventing collisions. Our results highlight the potential of the proposed method for applications in autonomous multi-robot systems, such as search and rescue, environmental monitoring, and warehouse automation.

Keywords—dynamic robot formation, multi-robot system, collision detection, formation algorithm, autonomous robots, alternating activation, simulation

Cite: Le Minh Triet and Nguyen Truong Thinh, "Formation Control of Mobile Robots Using a Beacon-Based Algorithm with Alternating Node Activation," International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics Research, Vol. 14, No. 2, pp. 212-228, 2025. doi: 10.18178/ijmerr.14.2.212-228

Copyright © 2025 by the authors. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited (CC BY 4.0).