A Study on the Formation Control Algorithm of Multi-USVs According to COLREGs

In this paper, we propose a formation control algorithm for multi-USVs according to COLREGs. First, we applied the Dynamic Window Approach algorithm that can reflect the kinematic characteristics for the path movement of USVs. Then, we propose a virtual structure-based virtual leader-follower method that applies the advantages of leader-follower and virtual structure methods among conventional formation control algorithms for stability. Next, we proposed a collision avoidance algorithm according to all COLREGs when encountering an opposing ship by adding COLREGs situational conditions to the virtual leader, and finally confirmed the feasibility of the proposed method through simulation.