Symmetry Breaking for k-Robust Multi-Agent Path Finding

During Multi-Agent Path Finding (MAPF) problems, agents can be delayed by unexpected events. To address such situations recent work describes k-Robust Conflict-Based Search (k-CBS): an algorithm that produces a coordinated and collision-free plan that is robust for up to k delays for any agent. In this work we introduce a variety of pairwise symmetry breaking constraints, specific to k-robust planning, that can efficiently find compatible and optimal paths for pairs of colliding agents. We give a thorough description of the new constraints and report large improvements to success rate in a range of domains including: (i) classic MAPF benchmarks, (ii) automated warehouse domains, and (iii) on maps from the 2019 Flatland Challenge, a recently introduced railway domain where k-robust planning can be fruitfully applied to schedule trains. * Jiaoyang Li performed the research during her visit to Monash University.