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Abstract

A robot cannot find its way by looking at a map designed for humans; rather, it must make a complex series of geometric calculations. Many algorithms have been developed for robot path planning, and the purpose of this project is to investigate (and improve upon) some of these. The `robot' might be an arbitrary convex polygon that can slide in a world composed of polygonal obstacles; an industrial robot arm; or a human trying to find their way across a strange city.

Which algorithm(s) you investigate is largely up to you: they range from pragmatic, `suck-it-and-see' methods to mathematically-complicated methods that are guaranteed to succeed (after a lot of CPU time!). There is also considerable scope to think of novel robots. For example, previous groups have considered:

• a planetary exploration vehicle;
• a smart torpedo;
• and a model railway track.