A Web-based Platform for Distributed Robotics Research

We present a web-based platform and simulation system for IntelliBrain robots. The IntelliBrain is a small Java-programmable robot which has a set of attached sensors. These sensors utilize the IntelliBrain to navigate and provide feedback about the robot's environment. The platform takes advantage of these sensors and provides a rich web-based experience for developing behaviors for the robots. Behaviors control a robot or swarm of robots within a grid environment. Algorithms implemented by the behaviors simulate either inter-robot communication, in the case of a swarm behavior, or singular behaviors. By enabling the service over the web, users are able to load behaviors into the robots and observe behavior, using live streaming video or by using a virtual environment embedded within the web application. In addition, users can develop more complex environments using the virtual environment which acts as a virtual behavior simulator. Behavior simulations, either virtual or actual, are advantageous for gathering data which can be used to identify patterns within the IntelliBrain's environment allowing for data classification and pattern recognition to be possible. Further research objectives include biologically and evolutionary inspired algorithms which produce behaviors that are closely mapped to those in nature. For instance, dead reckoning is a behavior which is observed within populations of bees and involves being able to return to a point of origin after long distance travel. This platform is ideal for solving problems, such as dead reckoning, and provides an opportunity for computer science research and education.