Multi-Layer Networks and Routing Protocols for Aquatic Robotic Swarm Management

The paradigm of multi-layer networks can help devise a set of robotic swarms interacting with mobile computing centrals. We present here a distributed hierarchical network model and a related routing protocol (based on static routing and/or AODV protocol for peer nodes) for swarm robotics in aquatic environment, defining also which packets need to be exchanged to guarantee the mission accomplishment. Joining concepts and techniques from different disciplines allows us building a robust system with potential practical applications in scenarios such as environmental care. We discuss our results and further developments of the proposed approach.