Abstract: We are focused on theoretical work exploring how ideas successful in cloud computing can help CPS at scale. We have two products. One is the “Virtual Vehicle” and the other the “BigActor Model.” The first is a mobile counterpart of the virtual machine. There is a tension between the openness of systems, unavoidable in any system at scale, and performance guarantees.

Abstract: Advanced autonomous transportation technologies must become robust, affordable and maintainable before safe and wide public adoption. The following research challenges of cyber-physical systems must be overcome before autonomous vehicles become practical:

Abstract: The design of bug-free and safe medical device software is challenging, especially in complex implantable devices that control and actuate organs who’s response is not fully understood. Safety recalls of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators between 1990 and 2000 affected over 600,000 devices. Of these, 200,000 or 41%, were due to firmware issues (i.e. software) that continue to increase in frequency [1].

Abstract: Monitoring flow-based systems (FBS) (e.g., water distribution systems) is of paramount importance, due to their economic and health impacts. FBS monitoring has been typically achieved by strategically placed, costly and complex, static sensors. To reduce the cost of monitoring, we propose a mobile wireless sensor network (WSN) system comprised of mobile sensors (their movement aided by the inherent flow) and static beacons which aid locating sensors.

Abstract: Conventionally, structural health monitoring (SHM) routines are time-based and are carried out offline. So they cannot provide real-time situational awareness. More recently, online health monitoring systems start to appear thanks to the fast developing technologies in sensing, hardware miniature, embedded computing and communication.

Abstract: Correct functioning of cyber-physical systems is of critical importance. This is more so in the case of safety critical systems such as in medical or automotive applications. Since verification of correctness, in general, is infeasible and testing is exhaustive, it is of critical importance to monitor such system during their operation and detect erroneous behaviors to be acted on.

Abstract: The objective of this research is to develop methods for the operation and design of cyber physical systems in general, and energy efficient buildings in particular. The approach is to use an integrated framework: create models of complex systems from data; then design the associated sensing-communication-computation-control system; and finally create distributed estimation and control algorithms, along with execution platforms to implement these algorithms.

Abstract: The objective of the project is to demonstrate the synergistic use of a cyber-physical infrastructure consisting of smart-phone devices; cloud computing, wireless communication, and intelligent transportation systems to manage vehicles in the complex urban network – through the use of traffic controls, route advisories and road pricing – to jointly optimize drivers’ mobility and the sustainability goals of reducing energy usage and improving air quality.

Abstract: This project develops an integrated design and simulation environment for the creation of miniature capsule robots (MCRs). An MCR is a biocompatible Cyber-Physical System (CPS) designed to operate in the human body to accomplish diagnostic or therapeutic tasks. A typical MCR has to fulfill three main constraints: safety, low power operation and small size. Advances in miniaturization of electronic devices have made MCRs a reality.

Abstract: We aim at enabling operation of synthetic and cyborg insects in complicated envi- ronments such as outdoors or inside collapsed buildings. Success in this research project will bring society closer to solving the grand challenge of having teams of mobile, disposable, search and rescue robots which can robustly locomote through uncertain and novel environments, finding survivors in disaster situations, while removing risk from rescuers.