The Use of Potential Fields as a Navigation System for Autonomous Helicopters in 3D Games

Abstract: The use of artificial potential fields is beneficial in most two dimensional environments but they are bound by limitations. Introduction of the third dimension eradicates some of the limitations and brings about a set of new problems. If the emergent problems are solved then the new approach can give way to smarter helicopters and consequently a new game-play experience or possibly safer flight. This thesis aims to solve the emergent problems and proposes a new solution for guidance of autonomous helicopter agents in 3D games based on artificial potential fields. This new approach is compared to the most used alternative the A' pathfinding algorithm. Our experiments reveal that potential fields is a formidable alternative for navigation of helicopters. It can perform many times faster than the A' alternative and has lower rate of collision.