We propose a model independent coordination strategy for multi-agent formation control. The main theorem states that under a bounded tracking error assumption, our method stabilizes the formation error. We illustrate the usefulness of the method by applying it to rigid body constrained motions.

In this paper, the multiagent coordination problem is studied. This problem is addressed for a class of robots for which control Lyapunov functions can be found. The main result is a suite of theorems about formation maintenance, task completion time, and formation velocity. It is also shown how to moderate the requirement that, for each individual robot, there exists a control Lyapunov function. An example is provided that illustrates the soundness of the method.

Two model independent solutions to the problem of controlling wheel-based mobile platforms are proposed. These two algorithms are based on a so called virtual vehicle approach, where the motion of the reference point on the desired trajectory is governed by a differential equation containing error feedback. This, combined with the fact that the proven stable control algorithms are basically proportional regulators with arbitrary positive gains, make the solutions robust with respect to errors and disturbances, as demonstrated by the experimental results.