A robot control apparatus allows a plurality of mobile robots to carry out
tasks at a reduced or minimized cost as a whole with consideration given
to costs derived from an encounter with an obstacle is provided. An
action optimization controller provided in the robot control apparatus
generates an instruction for optimizing actions of the plurality of
mobile robots so that the plurality of mobile robots carry out the tasks
at a minimized cost, based upon locomotion plan information indicative of
locomotion plans of the plurality of mobile robots. A possibility that
any robots have an encounter with an obstacle is determined by comparing
distances from the robots to the obstacles. A locomotion plan
implementation cost is calculated with consideration given to the
possibility of encounter, and thus an optimum route is selected based
upon the locomotion plan implementation cost with the encounter-derived
cost. In accordance with the optimum route, the locomotion plan for the
robot is modified.