Formation control and path planning of multi-robot systems via large language models

Existing path planning and coordination control methods for multi-robot systems(MRS) typically rely on predefined rules and rudimentary algorithms. However, these methods often struggle to adapt flexibly to complex environments and to adjust motion targets appropriately. To address this challenge, this study presents a large language model(LLM)-assisted framework. By integrating textual descriptions of complex motion constraints, robot information, and local environmental data as inputs, LLMs generate motion objectives and translate them into executable control commands for the robots, thereby achieving coordinated control and path planning. This framework facilitates the generation, maintenance, and reshaping of formations in MRSs during path planning, applicable to both obstacle-free and obstacle-avoidance environments. Simulation results demonstrate that LLM-based control strategies enhance the autonomy, adaptability, flexibility, and robustness of MRS by processing complex information, making intelligent decisions, adapting to environmental changes, and handling disturbances and uncertainties.