Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and the Norwegian Marine Technology Research Institute (MARINTEK) have introduced a structured method for the safety assurance of autonomous systems, particularly in maritime applications. The team, led by Jon Arne Glomsrud and including Stephanie Kemna, Chanjei Vasanthan, Luman Zhao, Dag McGeorge, Tom Arne Pedersen, Tobias Rye Torben, Børge Rokseth, and Dong Trong Nguyen, has developed the Assurance of Digital Assets (ADA) framework. This framework leverages contract-based design principles to evaluate the safety and reliability of autonomous systems, such as autonomous ferries, in real-world contexts.
The ADA framework addresses a critical gap in the assurance of autonomous technologies. While simulation-based testing is widely used to verify the performance of autonomous systems, it often lacks the formal evidence required for comprehensive safety assurance. The ADA framework integrates contract-based design, which involves defining clear specifications and contracts for system components, ensuring that each part of the system adheres to these agreements. This approach provides a structured method for assessing the safety and reliability of complex, intelligent systems enabled by digital technologies.
The researchers applied the ADA framework to an autonomous ferry assurance case, focusing on collision avoidance during the ferry’s transit. The study demonstrated how contract-based design can be used to define and verify the performance of collision avoidance systems. By establishing clear contracts for the ferry’s navigation and control systems, the researchers were able to systematically assess the system’s ability to avoid collisions under various conditions. This structured approach not only enhances the safety of autonomous ferries but also provides a robust method for building the necessary evidence for assurance cases.
Simulation-based testing plays a crucial role in verifying compliance with contract specifications. The researchers discussed how simulation-based testing can be used to validate that the autonomous ferry’s systems meet the defined contracts. By simulating different scenarios and conditions, the team could gather empirical data to support the assurance case. This combination of contract-based design and simulation-based verification provides a comprehensive method for ensuring the safety and reliability of autonomous systems in maritime applications.
The ADA framework offers a promising approach for the assurance of autonomous systems in various industries, not just maritime. By providing a structured method for defining and verifying system performance, the framework can help ensure the safety and reliability of complex, intelligent systems. The researchers’ work highlights the importance of integrating formal evidence with simulation-based testing to build robust assurance cases. As autonomous technologies continue to advance, frameworks like ADA will be essential for ensuring their safe and reliable integration into society. Read the original research paper here.