Step #2: Drafting a High Level Design for This Project (Python Blockchain for Swarm Robotics)

This project aims to create a blockchain that will be controlling the robotic swarms on their search and identify missions. This will be a distributed system that will be composed of 3 nodes. Each node will be running a copy of the software and they will be able to communicate with each other to share the data and updates. This page will further explain the high level design for this project.

Introduction

The blockchain will be used to control a robotics swarm (10 robots in total) that is tasked with search and identify missions. The swarm will be composed of 10 small robotic devices that will cooperate to search for and report back on a location of a target. Once the robotic swarm locates the target, it will report back to the base with its findings (location of the target on a map) so that a well-thought-out mission can be undertaken about the target (whether this is for an extraction, rescue or elimination of target). The blockchain will be used to manage the swarm, coordinate the robots, and track their progress.

This page is a part of our step by step guide to building a blockchain with Python to control a robotic swarm. Click here for the full step by step guide: Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Python-Based Blockchain for Robotics Swarm Control.

Background

Blockchains are distributed databases that allow for secure, transparent, and tamper-proof data storage. They have been successfully used in a variety of applications, from cryptocurrencies to supply chain management. Blockchains are well-suited for managing robotic swarms, as they provide a decentralized means of coordination and control.

Use Case

The blockchain will be used to manage the robotic swarm during search and identify missions. The blockchain will coordinate the robots, track their progress, and provide a means for mission control to monitor the status of the swarm.

Requirements

To be used to control a robotic swarm, the blockchain must meet certain requirements. It must be able to track the location and status of each robot in the swarm, as well as provide a means for mission control to send commands to the robots. The blockchain must also be scalable, as this initial swarm of 10 robots may grow to hundreds or even thousands. Finally, the blockchain must be secure, as any errors or hacks could jeopardize lives.

Components

The proposed blockchain-based search and identify robot swarm control system would have the following components:

1. A decentralized network of nodes (3), each hosting a copy of the blockchain ledger.
2. A software application that enables users to interface with the network and issues commands to the swarm of robots.
3. A smart contract deployed on the blockchain that governs the interactions between the users and the robots, as well as between the robots themselves.
4. A reward system that incentivizes users for successful search and report missions completed by the robot swarm.

Design

The blockchain will be designed to meet the requirements specified in the previous sections. It will use a distributed ledger to track the location and status of each robot in the swarm. Mission control will be able to send commands to the robots through this ledger, which they can then execute autonomously.

Each robot in the swarm will be connected to the blockchain and will have a unique ID. The blockchain will keep track of the location of each robot and will be used to coordinate their movements. The robots will communicate with each other using the blockchain to figure out the best search strategy.