Development of metaheuristic algorithms for efficient path planning of autonomous mobile robots in indoor environments

The application of efficient path planning algorithms for two-wheeled Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) in static environments with obstacles is a significant challenge in robotics research. Existing methods, such as the A star (A*) algorithm utilized in Robot Operating System 2 (ROS2), can provide optimal paths but may have high computational complexity in intricate environments. This study explores the potential of three metaheuristic algorithms - Improved Particle Swarm Optimization (IPSO), Improved Grey Wolf Optimizer (IGWO), and Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) - for planning efficient and smooth paths in static environments. These algorithms are selected due to their ability to efficiently find near-optimal solutions and avoid local minima. In this study, the researchers designed and built a two-wheeled AMR using a Raspberry Pi 4 microcontroller as the main processing unit, working in conjunction with an Arduino Mega for controlling the DC motor drive through an MDD10A motor driver circuit. The robot is equipped with an RPLiDAR A1 sensor to read 360-degree distance values for mapping and obstacle avoidance. The experimental results clearly indicate that the metaheuristic algorithms, especially ABC, can calculate paths up to 7% shorter than A* while requiring only one-tenth of the time. Moreover, ABC demonstrates superior motion smoothness when applied to the actual two-wheeled robot in static environments. This work represents a significant step in developing algorithms for two-wheeled robots that are ready to support real-world operations in industries, logistics, healthcare, or various service sectors, which can help increase efficiency and reduce operating costs in the future.