Swarm-Based Spatial Sorting

Purpose: To present an algorithm for spatially sorting objects into an annular structure. Design/Methodology/Approach: A swarm-based model that requires only stochastic agent behaviour coupled with a pheromone-inspired "attraction-repulsion" mechanism. Findings: The algorithm consistently generates high-quality annular structures, and is particularly powerful in situations where the initial configuration of objects is similar to those observed in nature. Research limitations/implications: Experimental evidence supports previous theoretical arguments about the nature and mechanism of spatial sorting by insects. Practical implications: The algorithm may find applications in distributed robotics. Originality/value: The model offers a powerful minimal algorithmic framework, and also sheds further light on the nature of attraction-repulsion algorithms and underlying natural processes.Comment: Accepted by the Int. J. Intelligent Computing and Cybernetic

An ant-based algorithm for annular sorting

We present an ant-based algorithm for spatially sorting objects into an annular structure. The model is minimal, as it requires only stochastic ant behaviour coupled with a pheromone-inspired "attraction-repulsion" mechanism. This is the first annular sorting algorithm to consider the problem of objects with non-uniform size, as well as the situation where objects are pre-sorted. The algorithm consistently generates high-quality annular structures, and is particularly powerful in situations where the initial configuration of objects is similar to those observed in nature. We suggest that this model provides a powerful algorithmic framework, as well as a contribution to the study of "attraction-repulsion" models of animal behaviour

An Ant-Based Algorithm for Annular Sorting

Abstract — We present an ant-based algorithm for spatially sorting objects into an annular structure. The model is minimal, as it requires only stochastic ant behaviour coupled with a pheromone-inspired “attraction-repulsion ” mechanism. This is the first annular sorting algorithm to consider the problem of objects with non-uniform size, as well as the situation where objects are pre-sorted. The algorithm consistently generates high-quality annular structures, and is particularly powerful in situations where the initial configuration of objects is similar to those observed in nature. We suggest that this model provides a powerful algorithmic framework, as well as a contribution to the study of “attraction-repulsion ” models of animal behaviour. I