CPS: Medium: A Logical Framework for Self-Optimizing Networked Cyber-Physical Systems

Abstract: The objective of this research is to develop foundations for the newly emerging generation of networked cyber-physical systems. The approach is based on a distributed logic of cyber-physical systems together with distributed cross-layer control and optimization strategies to enabled local actions to maintain or improve the satisfaction of system goals. The framework will be implemented first in simulation, then on one of SRI's robot platforms, and demonstrated in the context of networked mobile robotic teams, a particularly challenging application. Networked cyber-physical systems present many intellectual challenges not suitably addressed by existing computing paradigms. They must achieve system-wide objectives through local, asynchronous actions, using distributed control loops through the environment. A key challenge is to develop a robust computational foundation that supports a wide spectrum of system operation between autonomy and cooperation to adapt to uncertainties, changes, failures, and resource constraints, in particular to limitations of computational, energy, and networking resources. The results will have a variety of applications including distributed surveillance, instrumented pervasive spaces, crisis response, medical systems, green buildings, self-assembling structures, networked space/satellite missions, and distributed critical infrastructure monitoring and control. There is also potential for integration into SRI's commercial robotic platform. Results will be publicly available from a project web site, and tutorial material will be developed for students and researchers. A multi-disciplinary research seminar will be sponsored by SRI. The coPI is female with a strong record of mentoring female students and young researchers, including the project's female postdoc.