Abstract: The objective of this research is to develop a theory of “ActionWebs”, that is, networked embedded sensor-rich systems, which can be tasked to coordinate multiple decision- makers. The approach is to first identify models of ActionWebs using stochastic hybrid systems, an interlinking of continuous dynamical physical models with discrete state representations of interconnection and computation. Second, algorithms will be designed for tasking individual sensors, based on information objectives for the entire system.

Abstract: This project has two closely related objectives. The first is to design and evaluate new Cyber Transportation System (CTS) architectures, protocols and applications for improved traffic safety and traffic operations. The second is to design and develop an integrated traffic-driving-networking simulator. The project takes a multi-disciplinary approach that combines cyber technologies, transportation engineering and human factors.

Abstract: The project aims to establish a Cyber-Physical Infrastructure for urban environments and address fundamental problems that involve data collection, resource allocation, real-time decision making, safety, and security.

Abstract: This project's objective is to enable assertion-­‐driven development and debugging cyber-­‐ physical systems (CPS). As opposed to traditional uses of assertions in software engineering, CPS demand a tight coupling of the cyber with the physical, including in system validation. This project will use mathematical models of key physical attributes to guide creation of assertions, to identify inconsistent or infeasible assertions, and to localize potential causes for CPS failures.

Abstract: The Cyber Physical Systems Virtual Organization (CPS-VO) is a broad community of interest for CPS researchers, practitioners and policy makers. The CPS-VO includes institutions from academy and industry, and people who work on a wide range of related disciplines with different approaches, methods, tools and experimental platforms. These entities are all interconnected and evolve driven by a shared goal, to advance our knowledge in the science and engineering of CPS.

Abstract: We are developing advanced distributed monitoring and control systems for civil infrastructure. The approach employs cyber-physical co-design of wireless sensor-actuator networks and structural monitoring and control algorithms. The unified cyber-physical system architecture provides reusable middleware services for developing hierarchical structural monitoring and control systems.

Abstract: As technology pushes automation to greater degrees of autonomy, the verification  and  validation burden becomes more cost and time prohibitive. It has been well established that, as stated in AF Technology Horizons 2010, “It is possible to develop systems having high levels of autonomy, but it is the lack of suitable V&V methods that prevents all but relatively low levels of autonomy from being certified for use." This increased move towards further levels of autonomy has brought the certification need to a national level.

Abstract: How much should a person be allowed to interact with a controlled machine? If that machine is easily destabilized, and if the controller operating it is essential to its operation, the answer may be that the person should not be allowed any control authority at all. Using a combination of techniques coming from machine learning, optimal control, and formal verification, the proposed work focuses on a computable notion of trust that allows the embedded system to assess the safety of instruction.

Abstract: The physical environment of a cyber-physical system is unboundedly complex, changing continuously in time and space. An embodied cyber- physical system, embedded in the physical world, receives a high bandwidth stream of sensory information, and sends continuous control signals. Traditional embedded systems restrict the environment or the attributes considered relevant, and depend on human supervision.

Abstract: Many practical barriers continue to exist for a blind individual who strives to live an independent and active life, despite decades of development of assistive technologies. This project addresses the following two most prominent challenges: (1) disparity in information-sharing among people with visual impairment and its limited understanding by the research community; and (2) lack of methods and tools for effectively addressing the disparity.