Hunting Algorithm for Multi-AUV Based on Dynamic Prediction of Target Trajectory in 3D Underwater Environment

In the research of multi-robot systems, multi-AUV (multiple autonomous underwater vehicles) cooperative target hunting is a hot issue. In order to improve the target hunting efficiency of multi-AUV, a multi-AUV hunting algorithm based on dynamic prediction for the trajectory of the moving target is proposed in this article. Firstly, with moving of the target, sample points are updated dynamically to predict the possible position of a target in a short period time by using the fitting of a polynomial, and the safe domain of the moving target, which is a denied area for the hunting AUVs, is built to avoid the target's escape when it detects AUVs. Secondly, the method of negotiation is adopted to allocate appropriate desired hunting points for each AUV. Finally, the AUVs arrive at desired hunting points rapidly through deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithm to achieve hunting the moving target. The simulations show that hunting AUVs can surround the moving target of which the trajectory is unknown rapidly and accurately by the algorithm in the 3D environment with complex obstacles and results obtained is satisfactory.