My goal is to create flying AI drones, each connected by cable/rope with physics assigned to the cable for gravity and dynamic movement. The idea is that these robots will act as a futuristic string of floating lights and they will all be connected by the cable so that motion is limited as they pull together in an organic fashion. Here is an image to get an idea of how I would like to string them together.
I guess my goals could be broken down into two main objectives…
1) How do I make the individual drones fly towards assigned target points selected at random?
This system would allow me to create a few target points forming closely around each drone so that each drone can be manually controlled interns of range. Also if I can achieve this I will then also be able to make drones fly around the map too which is something I haven’t been able to achieve even with the butterfly blueprint mods. Most tutorials at the moment focus around walking AI on the navmesh however these drones ideally will navigate (X,Y,Z).
2) How do I create a cable with physics that attaches two individual blueprints/static mesh?
Currently I have managed to create a cable blueprint using splines (blueprint attached). However these cables have no physics and as the spline points are placed manual the bends look artificial too. Applying physics would help to bend the wires with gravity and allow for movement as the two connected drones on each end attempt to move to the targets.
I hope this is not to ambitious of a question, honestly I would be happy just to achieve (1) as being able to have the drones fly around to targets would be great, whereas the rope physics would just make for a nice final touch. Once I manage to make these mechanics work I will also create a tutorial as I haven’t been able to find any so far, especially relating to flying AI. Oh one last thing, I’m currently running 4.4.3 although I plan to upgrade when I can (just in case I should expect bugs or missing features).