The complexity of multiple robot coordination has added more functions to robot programming. The impact of the language statement is considered in connection with the support of multiple robot coordination. Requirements for a general-purpose robot control language are summarized, and several industrial applications of multiple robot coordination are discussed. Three types of group motion and their programming impact are reviewed: simultaneous motion, coordinated motion, and independent motion. Multitasking is also shown to be a necessary programming tool in multiple robot control.>

Using a proximity ranging system to step over objects has been tested by using two sensors mounted on a Prototype Leg for the Adaptive Suspension Vehicle which is under development at the Ohio State University. The results show that the control algorithm provides the capability to step over many different types of objects at speeds of up to 100 in./ sec. Details of the hardware used, algorithm developed, and experimental results obtained are all shown in the paper.