Aug 2026· IEEE Internet of Things Journal· 0 citations· 34 references
Computer Science
TL;DR
A hierarchical joint optimization algorithm is developed within a multi-agent deep reinforcement learning (MADRL) framework to coordinate UAVs and MTs in a distributed manner and outperforms other benchmarks under varying network scales and capabilities by jointly optimizing UAV operations and resource utilization.
Abstract
This paper investigates a multiple uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs)-enabled distributed mobile edge computing (MEC) framework, where the set of collaborative UAVs dynamically varies over time due to their energy states and service loads. The joint optimization of trajectory planning and resource allocation is formulated as a Stackelberg game, where UAVs and mobile terminals (MTs) are modeled as leaders and followers, respectively. UAVs aim to maximize their benefits by balancing executed workload, energy cost, and resource allocation revenue, while MTs seek to minimize their total overhead, composed of computing delay and resource costs, through offloading and resource-request decisions. A hierarchical joint optimization algorithm is developed within a multi-agent deep reinforcement learning (MADRL) framework to coordinate UAVs and MTs in a distributed manner. At the leader level, UAVs jointly determine their trajectories, task migration ratios, MT-UAV association, and unit computing resource pricing. Each UAV is modeled as an agent in a partially observable Markov decision process, and the agents are jointly trained via multi-agent proximal policy optimization (MAPPO) under the centralized-training-and-decentralized-execution paradigm. At the follower level, MTs determine their optimal task offloading ratios and requested computing resources using a two-stage iterative algorithm. Simulation results demonstrate stable convergence under dynamic UAV participation. Compared to the no-collaboration benchmark, the proposed algorithm improves UAV efficiency by 18.58% through inter-UAV task migration and reduces average MT overhead by 33.77% over the fully offloading scheme. It also outperforms other benchmarks under varying network scales and capabilities by jointly optimizing UAV operations and resource utilization.
This paper proposes a heterogeneous multi-agent proximal policy optimization (MAPPO)-based framework where both user devices and UAVs act as heterogeneous agents and utilizes a centralized training and decentralized execution (CTDE) paradigm to enable collaborative strategies between computing requesters and providers.
Ming Cheng, Canlin Zhu, Jiang-Hang Tang et al.· Journal of King Saud Univers...· 0 citations
This study investigates the optimization of three-dimensional (3D) trajectory planning and resource allocation in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-enabled wireless networks with no-fly zones (NFZs) using a deep learning framework. The objective is to maximize the minimum average spectral efficiency (SE) among mobile users served by multiple UAVs while addressing key challenges, including interference from concurrent UAV transmissions, collision avoidance, and NFZ constraints. A realistic probabilistic channel model is considered, where the likelihood of a line-of-sight (LoS) condition is modeled as a function of the elevation angle in the air-to-ground (A2G) link. To solve the formulated optimization problem, a novel deep learning framework with specialized deep neural network (DNN) structures is developed. This framework jointly optimizes 3D UAV trajectory planning and resource allocation, employing an unsupervised learning-based training approach that eliminates the need for labeled data. Performance evaluations demonstrate that the proposed scheme effectively accounts for the probabilistic channel model and co-channel interference while accounting for collision avoidance and NFZ-related constraints. Moreover, it outperforms baseline methods by achieving a higher minimum average SE with real-time computational efficiency, making it practical for UAV-assisted wireless networks.
This article investigates the dynamic multiobjective co-optimization problem in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-assisted remote sensing systems, aiming to jointly optimize UAV placement, task scheduling strategies, and computing/communication resource allocation to minimize the system’s average processing latency and the total energy consumption of UAVs. Addressing the shortcomings of existing research, which often overlooks the computational capabilities of UAVs, optimizes only a single aspect, and fails to account for environmental dynamics, this work formulates the problem as a dynamic multiobjective optimization problem. A hybrid optimization framework named DSG, integrating swarm intelligence and evolutionary algorithms, is proposed. The framework first derives a closed-form optimal resource allocation solution for given deployment and scheduling strategies through theoretical analysis. It then employs an improved dynamic multiobjective evolutionary algorithm (DMOEA) to co-optimize UAV positions (continuous variables) and task scheduling (discrete variables). Experimental results demonstrate that DSG achieves significantly better normalized hypervolume performance than comparative algorithms across various system scales [number of UAVs, access points (APs), and sensors] while exhibiting good stability and scalability. This provides an effective solution for the efficient co-optimization of UAV-assisted edge computing in dynamic environments.
Bo Wang, Xiaoyun Qin, Zhifeng Zhang et al.· IEEE Internet of Things Jour...· 0 citations
To address the challenges of collaborative task allocation and path planning for multiple logistics unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in urban low-altitude environments, this paper proposes a bilevel nested joint optimization method based on reinforcement learning and a graph search algorithm to enhance the efficiency of collaborative last-mile delivery by multiple logistics UAVs while reducing flight risks. The proposed method constructs a bilevel architecture system based on a task allocation and decision-making model and a path planning model. The upper-level model holistically considers the demands of three stakeholders—government (safety), customers (timeliness), and UAV enterprises (economy)—at the macro level. Then, based on real-time order information and UAV status, a multi-objective optimization and constraint model is constructed under complex dynamic environments. A multi-agent proximal policy optimization algorithm is employed to achieve rapid dynamic task allocation and decision-making. The lower-layer model utilizes the upper-level allocation results combined with detailed environmental information to plan safe and efficient flight paths for each UAV at the micro level. It employs an improved jumping-point search algorithm for refined path optimization. A loop feedback mechanism is designed to facilitate information exchange between layers, thereby coupling the task allocation and path planning processes to achieve collaborative optimization of upper- and lower-level task allocation and decision-making. This method effectively addresses complex logistics delivery scenarios, enhancing the overall efficiency and robustness of the delivery system. Simulation experiments comprehensively consider path influences from flexible open-area delivery, varying numbers of distribution centers and UAVs, and on-demand rush orders. Tests conducted in medium- and high-density environments demonstrate the proposed model and algorithm’s significant superiority in dynamic complex scenarios. Even when confronted with complex environments and dynamic order scenarios, it consistently generates highly applicable UAV flight paths.
Zongwei Li, Guang Zhang, Heyun Gao· Journal of Vibration and Con...· 0 citations
A three-role dynamic multi-swarm crow search algorithm (3R-DMCSA) is proposed, in which exploiter, explorer, and diversifier role-based swarms share a crow search-based update structure, feasibility-aware comparison, and leader-selection structure but use TA- and PP-specific encodings, objective preferences, initialization, and dynamic responses.
Gengsong Li, Yi Liu, Qibin Zheng et al.· Drones· 0 citations
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