Software Dependability

Software Dependability

Rigorous validation and verification for dependable and safe software systems

Software Dependability

The Software Dependability competence field (SD) develops novel methods, algorithms, and tools for ensuring the safety and security of cyber-physical systems (CPS).

The unique challenge here is in the development and operation of safe and secure learning-enabled CPS. These systems possess the capability for autonomous response and decision-making, coupled with the ability to learn from data and experiences using artificial intelligence (AI) methods. As a result, these cognitive systems can adapt their behavior to changing environments. However, the increasing complexity and connectivity of modern digital systems add further challenges to ensuring safety and security. The underlying prerequisite for the successful deployment of autonomous CPS-based products is thus the availability of effective and affordable validation methods.

Research focus

  • Verification of learning-enabled software
    Verification methods and tools, especially for neural networks, and processes for testing and monitoring AI-based systems.
  • Software verification and certification
    Methods for the automated and continuous verification of software in line with development and certification standards for safety-critical systems.
  • Light-weight formal methods for security
    Formal models and methods designed specifically for security applications, including computer-aided system architecture analysis, and the creation of security verifications through static software analysis.

In our research activities, fortiss relies primarily on formal methods, such as model checking, static analysis, constraints solving, etc., and their integration with other methods such as testing to enable efficient analysis of complex software. The competence field strives to not only develop novel methods but also implement them as research prototypes and evaluate their performance in various real-world use cases. While our target use cases often come from the automotive domain, we also target use cases from the aerospace domain. A special focus is also given to scenario-based testing and its combination with formal verification methods to argue about higher test coverage and completeness of resulting dependability assurance arguments.

The research activities of the competence field SD contribute to the development of novel methods for validating and certifying autonomous cyber-physical systems, thus enabling the deployment of AI technologies in safety-critical autonomous software systems and services.

Further information

Whitepaper Knowledge as Invariance
Whitepaper Knowledge as Invariance
Whitepaper Safety & Security Engineering
Whitepaper Safety & Security Engineering
Security Engineering for ISO 21434 Security Engineering for ISO 21434
Security Engineering for ISO 21434
Dr. Tewodros Beyene

Your contact

Dr. Tewodros Beyene

+49 89 3603522 24
beyene@fortiss.org

Dr. Fathiyeh Faghih

Your contact

Dr. Fathiyeh Faghih

+49 89 3603522 261
faghih@fortiss.org

Projects