Requirements-based Simulation Execution for Virtual Validation of Autonomous Systems

The complexity of software is rapidly increasing in many domains. Therefore, simulations have become established as a testing tool in recent years. Especially the virtual validation of autonomous systems leads to increasingly complex simulation environments. Nevertheless, the scenarios and the simulation results are not linked to the requirements. To close this gap, we develop a lightweight approach that allows the user to extract functional information. Simulation results can then be presented in different levels of detail in the original requirements. This replaces difficult translations of requirements and allows permanent comparison at all test levels

A Nature-Inspired Approach for Scenario-Based Validation of Autonomous Systems

Scenario-based approaches are cost and time effective solutions to autonomous cyber-physical system testing to identify bugs before costly methods such as physical testing in a controlled or uncontrolled environment. Every bug in an autonomous cyber-physical system is a potential safety risk. This paper presents a scenario-based method for finding bugs and estimating boundaries of the bug profile. The method utilizes a nature-inspired approach adapting low discrepancy sampling with local search. Extensive simulations demonstrate the performance of the approach with various adaptations

Modularis: Modular Underwater Robot for Rapid Development and Validation of Autonomous Systems

Autonomous underwater robots typically require higher cost and time for demonstrations compared to other domains due to the complexity of the environment. Due to the limited capacity and payload flexibility, it is challenging to find off-the-shelf underwater robots that are affordable, customizable, and subject to environmental variability. Custom-built underwater robots may be necessary for specialized applications or missions, but the process can be more costly and time-consuming than purchasing an off-the-shelf autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). To address these challenges, we propose a modular underwater robot, Modularis, that can serve as an open-source testbed system. Our proposed system expedites the testing of perception, planning, and control algorithms.Comment: 7 pages, 13 figures, presented at OCEANS 202

Challenges in verification and validation of autonomous systems for space exploration

Space exploration applications offer a unique opportunity for the development and deployment of autonomous systems, due to limited communications, large distances, and great expense of direct operation. At the same time, the risk and cost of space missions leads to reluctance to taking on new, complex and difficult-to-understand technology. A key issue in addressing these concerns is the validation of autonomous systems. In recent years, higher-level autonomous systems have been applied in space applications. In this presentation, we will highlight those autonomous systems, and discuss issues in validating these systems. We will then look to future demands on validating autonomous systems for space, identify promising technologies and open issues

Modelling and Verification of Multiple UAV Mission Using SMV

Model checking has been used to verify the correctness of digital circuits, security protocols, communication protocols, as they can be modelled by means of finite state transition model. However, modelling the behaviour of hybrid systems like UAVs in a Kripke model is challenging. This work is aimed at capturing the behaviour of an UAV performing cooperative search mission into a Kripke model, so as to verify it against the temporal properties expressed in Computation Tree Logic (CTL). SMV model checker is used for the purpose of model checking

A Robust Compositional Architecture for Autonomous Systems

Space exploration applications can benefit greatly from autonomous systems. Great distances, limited communications and high costs make direct operations impossible while mandating operations reliability and efficiency beyond what traditional commanding can provide. Autonomous systems can improve reliability and enhance spacecraft capability significantly. However, there is reluctance to utilizing autonomous systems. In part this is due to general hesitation about new technologies, but a more tangible concern is that of reliability of predictability of autonomous software. In this paper, we describe ongoing work aimed at increasing robustness and predictability of autonomous software, with the ultimate goal of building trust in such systems. The work combines state-of-the-art technologies and capabilities in autonomous systems with advanced validation and synthesis techniques. The focus of this paper is on the autonomous system architecture that has been defined, and on how it enables the application of validation techniques for resulting autonomous systems

Airspace Operations and Safety and Integrated Flight Systems

No abstract availabl

LIFT OFF: LoRaWAN Installation and Fiducial Tracking Operations for the Flightline of the Future

Real-time situational awareness for the location of assets is critical to ensure missions are completed efficiently and requirements are satisfied. In many commercial settings, the application of global positioning system (GPS) sensors is appropriate to achieve timely knowledge of the position of people and equipment. However, GPS sensors are not appropriate for all situations due to flight clearance and operations security concerns. LIFT OFF: LoRaWAN Installation and Fiducial Tracking Operations for the Flightline of the Future proposes a hybrid framework solution to achieve real-time situational awareness for people, support equipment, and aircraft positions regardless of the environment. This framework included a machine-vision component, which involved setting up cameras to detect AprilTag decals that were installed on the sides of aircraft. The framework included a geolocation sensor component, which involved installing GPS sensors on support equipment and helmets. The framework also included creating a long-range wide area network (LoRaWAN) to transfer data and developing a user interface to display the data. The framework was tested at Naval Air Station Oceana Flightline, the United States Naval Test Pilot School, and at Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Lakehurst. LIFT OFF successfully provided a real-time updating map of all tracked assets using GPS sensors for people and support equipment and with visual fiducials for aircraft. The trajectories of the assets were recorded for logistical analysis and playback. Future follow-on work is anticipated to apply the technology to other environments including carriers and amphibious assault ships in addition to the flightline.Comment: 6 pages, 11 figures. Published in the Proceedings of the ASNE 2023 Technology, Systems & Ships Symposium. Reproduced with permission from the American Society of Naval Engineers. Distribution Statement A: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited, as submitted under NAVAIR Public Release Authorization 2023-02