Embedded Software Technologies for Dynamic Goal Determination and Execution

The innovation, that we call ARTEMIS (Autonomous Real-Time EMbedded Immune System) is a solution that combines configurable real-time embedded software technology with extensions to model-based reasoning (MBR) to increase the level of autonomy in complex distributed real-time systems. The solution provides policies and mechanisms to detect, diagnose, and reconfigure systems in the presence of failures, observation conflicts, or unforeseen situations. The technology provides new capabilities that are especially suited to NASA?s Aerospace Technology, Space Flight, and Space Science Enterprises. The innovation directly addresses STTR 2002 Sub-topic #1, which describes a need for new technologies for ?Autonomous Spacecraft, Rovers, and Other Complex Systems.? A key objective of a Phase II award is to create a first product using the newly-developed technology. We have chosen to focus on a product that applies ARTEMIS specifically to sensor/actuator network (SAN) applications. These are networks of very small embedded processors, ranging from the dozens to hundreds (or even thousands), generally in a very localized area.