JR Centre for Verification of Embedded Computing Systems

Embedded systems are computers that are embedded - almost invisibly to users - in devices, vehicles or buildings. The research topic is the verification of these systems, i.e. the early detection of errors.

Embedded systems are omnipresent in everyday life and are usually not recognised as such. A typical mid-range car, for example, has more than 50 electronic control units, while other important areas of application include industrial automation, aerospace, building automation and medical technology. Typical embedded systems collect data via sensors and carry out control measures. In addition to the actual position of a device, they often also realise other tasks that are not directly perceptible, for example to improve safety, reliability, efficiency or comfort.

As with all software solutions, verification also plays a major role in embedded systems: the probability of system malfunction should be minimised as early as possible. This task is particularly complex for embedded systems, as they function in interaction with their environment. Their verification is therefore an intensive field of research. This JR Centre aims to contribute to this and close the gap between scientific research and industrial practice.

To this end, the centre primarily addresses methods and new approaches for the verification of existing systems of partner companies. For example, an additional module (hardware and/or software) is built into existing systems that continuously monitors certain properties and, if necessary, takes measures to rectify errors. In this way, runtime verification combines standard industry test methods with elements of formal verification.

This improves the reliability and security of existing applications. The results are also relevant for the design of new systems.

The aim is to develop a flexible verification unit (hardware and/or software) that verifies the functionality of a running application and can also be used for testing purposes in the development process. This unit should be versatile, from simple to large and complex systems. This makes it usable for a wide variety of applications, which is also reflected in the diversity of the company partners involved.