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A verifiable multi-agent framework for dependable and adaptable avionics

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Abstract

The aerospace industry is continuously looking for improvements in operational efficiency and performance of systems. In its quest to do so, the industry is turning to Intelligent Adaptive Systems as a possible solution in many areas. However, the nature of the domain imposes expectations of safety, correctness and guarantees of behaviour from such systems. Meeting these expectations simultaneously, finally leading to certified products, poses many challenging problems. A research gap is perceived when the cycle of requirements, system design, verification and validation is examined, paving the need for correctness and guarantees of specifications in the early stages of a complex adaptive avionics system. We present a framework that is targeted for a broad class of avionics systems, engineered for short- and long-term system behaviours, resilient, real-time decision making, establishing trust on the way to certification and being amenable to analysis using formal methods. We have used this framework with two case studies (Flight Management System and Unmanned Aircraft System) and provide an application of this framework with one case study.

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Notes

  1. A widely used system design tool that uses Model-Driven Development philosophy for Agent-Based Modelling and Simulations enhancing design quality, reducing development effort and meeting qualitative aspects.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, B M S College of Engineering, P O Box No 1908, Bull Temple Road, Bangalore, 560 019, India

    Rajanikanth Kashi Nagaraj

  2. Software Engineering Laboratory, International Institute of Information Technology – Bangalore, 26/C Hosur Rd, Electronics City Phase 1, Bangalore, 560 100, India

    Meenakshi D’Souza

Authors
  1. Rajanikanth Kashi Nagaraj
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  2. Meenakshi D’Souza
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Correspondence to Rajanikanth Kashi Nagaraj.

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Kashi Nagaraj, R., D’Souza, M. A verifiable multi-agent framework for dependable and adaptable avionics. Sādhanā 46, 27 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12046-020-01538-4

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