Multi-UAV Task Assignment with Parameter and Time-Sensitive Uncertainties Using Modified Two-Part Wolf Pack Search Algorithm

This paper presents a systematical framework to solve the multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (multi-UAV) cooperative task assignment problem. Based on a combinatorial optimization model, it is solved by a digraph-based method and a novel meta-heuristic optimization method, named modified two-part wolf pack search (MTWPS) algorithm. When the number of UAVs/targets is large, in order to reduce the simulation time, we also present a new solution framework based on an easy-computing objective function. Additionally, the parameter and time-sensitive uncertainties are considered in the extended task assignment problem. For the problem with parameter uncertainty, it is formulated by a robust optimization method and solved by a novel combined algorithm, including the classical interior point method and our MTWPS algorithm. For the problem with time-sensitive uncertainty, it is solved by a practical online hierarchical planning algorithm. Finally, numerical simulations and physical experiments demonstrate that the proposed methods can provide a flyable solution for the UAVs and achieve outstanding performance in comparison with other algorithms.