A Metaphor for Swarm Trophallaxis Modelled on the Vampire Bat Desmodus rotundus

摘要

This paper reports on some observations arising from the use of a simulator in the context of energy sharing (trophallaxis) in swarms or communities of energy critical robots. It is presumed that such robots would gather naturally occurring fuel materials and convert them to energy as required. Using food-sharing behaviour reported for the common vampire bat species Desmodus rotundus, it is argued that energy sharing can bring substantial benefits to the group as a whole in situations where suitable materials are encountered unevenly by members of the population, in a manner insufficient to guarantee the continuing survival of any individual. Using the simulator the survivability of groups is investigated under various regimes, including sharing, the effects of energy dependents and non-sharers. The role of reciprocation is considered.