Cognitive swarm of drones search and rescue system.

Abstract

In an attempt to solve search-and-rescue problematics such as rescue time and difficulty in accessing certain search areas, a cognitive swarm of drones system is proposed, using artificial intelligence techniques interacting with cognitive components. The system’s various elements (drones’ cognition, pathfinding, policies, but also humans-swarm interactions) are elaborated, implemented and evaluated using a simulator custom-built for this dissertation. Evaluation outcomes show that cognitive functions can be beneficial to noncognitive drone components, and vice versa. Possible improvements are discussed.