The purpose of this paper is to present an algorithm for spatially sorting objects into an annular structure.
A swarm‐based model that requires only stochastic agent behaviour coupled with a pheromone‐inspired “attraction‐repulsion” mechanism.
The algorithm consistently generates high‐quality annular structures, and is particularly powerful in situations where the initial configuration of objects is similar to those observed in nature.
Experimental evidence supports previous theoretical arguments about the nature and mechanism of spatial sorting by insects.
The algorithm may find applications in distributed robotics.
The model offers a powerful minimal algorithmic framework, and also sheds further light on the nature of attraction‐repulsion algorithms and underlying natural processes.
