Enhancing Swarm Robotics: A Blockchain-Based Consensus Design for Security and Efficiency

Swarm robotics, as a distributed multi-agent platform, is well-suited for applications such as surveillance, rescue, hazardous operations, and smart manufacturing. However, current systems face critical challenges in secure communication, decentralized decision-making, and fault tolerance. Blockchain offers promising features of decentralization, security, and reliability, yet its integration into swarm robotics remains limited by the lack of suitable consensus algorithms that address real-time operational needs, task validation, and malicious activity detection. This study reviews the evolution of consensus mechanisms, analysing their security, scalability, and efficiency in decentralized networks. It highlights existing gaps in blockchain-based consensus for swarm robotics and proposes directions for developing lightweight, secure, and scalable solutions. The findings aim to advance robust consensus designs that enhance autonomy, resilience, and trust within swarm robotic networks.