Speaker: Nick Tudor
Following a full career as RAF Officer Engineer, Nick has been working in software and high integrity systems for the past 2 decades. As co-Founder of D-RisQ, he has worked in multiple sectors including aerospace, defence, automotive, rail, autonomous systems in air, land, sea, nuclear decommissioning and cyber-security. Perhaps the only claim to fame he might have is as one of the key authors of DO-333, the Formal Methods Supplement to DO-178C (the aerospace software standard).
Title: Autonomy: Are we nearly there yet?
Abstract: Autonomous systems are coming – they’re not really here yet despite claims otherwise. If for no other reason, this is because of internationally agreed legislation and regulation requires human oversight 24/7 which means they’re not autonomous. They potentially could be, but we don’t trust them anyway. The regulatory space is focused on safety and this must be informed by the still developing technologies. If legislation and regulation is pre-emptive, then it may well stifle innovation. This presentation will outline the current status, what might be the trust issues and lay out a potential way ahead for international agreement on autonomy certification.
Speaker: Thierry Lecomte
With 30 years of experience in R&D, Thierry Lecomte has worked on industrial projects in the automotive, healthcare, microelectronics, nuclear energy, railway and space industries. Today he is R&D director of CLEARSY, a French SME specialized in the invention of safety critical systems, where he has worked since its creation in 2001. His current subjects of interest are safety and security co-engineering, safe artificial intelligence, and autonomous mobility - all related to formal methods.
Title: Formal Methods for Safe Autonomy
Abstract: Recent spectacular advances in the autonomy of non-human agents give us a glimpse of a future in which humans have a higher level of assistance at their disposal. However, the scope of this progress needs to be put into perspective by considering the new risks generated by the emergence of these new technologies. This presentation proposes a broad technical and regulatory framework to which formal methods can contribute.
Speaker: Rich Walker
Rich is a Director of the Shadow Robot Company, having graduated from Managing Director in 2022, as well as an elected Director of euRobotics aisbl. He spent 14 years as Shadow’s Managing Director, and before that was heavily involved in the development of robot hands, real time control systems and other embedded engineering fun.
Title: Designing robots to survive learning
Abstract: Learning algorithms for robots are brutal on the hardware. In this talk, Rich will explain the work Shadow Robot did with Google DeepMind to create a new class of highly dexterous, data rich robot “hand”, that can survive the experience of learning in the real world.
Speaker: David Anisi
David A. Anisi received the Doctor and Licentiate of Science degree in Optimization and Systems Theory and Master of Science degree in Engineering Physics, all from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm, Sweden. After more than a decade of industrial R&D experience at ABB in Oslo, Norway, within design, control and verification of intelligent robotic and autonomous systems, he is now back in academia working as Associate Professor at University of Agder, as well as Robotics Group at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) where he also served as the Director of Master of Applied Robotics Program.
Title: Applications of RoboStar technology to real-world robotics systems
Abstract: Focusing on real-world applications of Robotic Autonomous Systems (RAS), RoboStar Norway has been adopting and applying the tools developed to a number of industrial use-cases over the years. This presentation will outline our application of RoboStar technology throughout the entire engineering life-cycle of RAS with use-cases taken from both agriculture and industrial robotics.
Speaker: Jan Peleska
Title: Supporting RoboStar Objectives at Verified Systems International
Abstract: Since its foundation in 1998, Verified Systems International is specialised on the verification and validation (V&V) of safety-critical control systems. With the promising advances in the field of autonomous systems, our company is currently extending its V&V portfolio to assuring safety properties of such systems, with a special focus on autonomous robots, as investigated in the RoboStar centre of excellence. In this context, V&V services and tools for three focal points are provided. (1) For software module testing, novel machine learning techniques are applied to actual prove that a module under test fulfils its specified properties. (2) For scenario-based end-to-end system tests, automated constraint solving techniques and methods from artificial intelligence are used to elaborate meaningful and effective system tests in a semi-automated way, taking expert knowledge into account. Using cloud technology, system tests can be executed as a combination of real-world tests with original equipment and cloud-based simulations. (3) A novel V&V method for safety-critical neural classification networks uses a combination of mathematical analysis and statistical testing to find trustworthy estimates for the residual misclassification probability of trained neural networks.
Speaker: Robert Scharping
Robert Scharping is a research associate at the Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation IFF and works in the Human-Centered Systems department in the group for Model-Based HRC Integration and Safety. Robert’s research focuses on dynamic and digital risk assessment for SMEs and industry.
Title: Enabling Safe, Flexible and Self-Adapting Robot Systems through Digital Risk Assessment
Abstract: The rigid and heuristic approach of the current risk assessment for robotics applications does not meet the human-centered requirements of small and medium-sized enterprises and Industry 5.0. Cobots in particular have become easier and easier to program in recent years, but the risk assessment process still requires safety experts. How can the risk assessment be simplified to make robotics solutions more attractive for small and medium-sized enterprises and what is necessary so that autonomous and self-adapting robot systems can be used in industry?
Speaker: Augusto Sampaio
Augusto Sampaio is a DPhil from Oxford University, Doctor Honoris Causa from the University of York, Commander of the Brazilian Order of Scientific Merit, a member of the (Pernambuco) State Academy of Science, and a Professor at Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (Brazil). His main research interests are formal methods; formal approaches to testing mobile devices; design, simulation and verification of robotic systems; and safe evolution of smart contracts.
Title: Environment and simulation: models, verification and tool support
Abstract: At RoboStar Brazil, we focus on simulation and environment aspects. Concerning simulation, we present a model-transformation approach to automatically synthesise sound simulations from a design model. This involves a paradigm shift from RoboChart reactive designs to the cyclic model of simulations in RoboSim. The approach is sound, and split into two main steps: (i) simplification of the RoboChart model via a normal form reduction process, and (ii) translation of the normalised RoboChart model into RoboSim. Regarding the environment model, we devise a domain-specific controlled natural language called RoboWorld that provides an accessible notation to describe operational requirements and environment interactions of a robot. It can be used in simulation and testing, but also enables rigorous verification. We discuss tool support and illustrate the approaches to environment and simulation with some examples.
Speaker: Ole Green
Ole Green is Founder and CEO of Agrointelli, with a background as trained farmer, agronomist, mechanical engineer and a PhD in Biosystems Engineering. And today also Honorary Professor at Aarhus University, Dept. of AgroEcology in sustainable soil management.
Title: The making of ROBOTTI
Abstract: The commercialization journey of the agricultural robotic platform ROBOTTI, have initiated in intensive and broad research collaboration across Europe. Where highly competent and skilled research groups at European universities have kick-started and boosted the ROBOTTI development in a model driven engineering environment, including co-simulation and the use of digital twins. Today the continued focus on safety around the use of highly and fully automated systems in an outdoor environment with increased experiences from practical use cases supplemented with new sensor innovations, still raises new research questions as well as foster industrial research collaboration.
Speaker: Holly Hendry
*Holly is a third year post-graduate researcher in Computer Science at the University of York. Her work focuses on the verification of robotic systems with humans-in-the-loop. Holly graduated from the University of York with a Masters of Engineering in Computer Science, after which she worked for three years as a software engineer for Amazon. As Holly entered academia from industry, she is interested in the application and integration of academic research within industry. *
Title: Human-Robot Interaction in the Design and Verification of Robotic System
Abstract: Humans play a critical role in robotic systems operation. Human-centered engineering accounts for human-robot interaction throughout system design, including verification. Proving properties about robotic systems with humans-in-the-loop relies on assumptions about human behaviour as well as models of the system software and hardware. Existing technologies for modelling these systems require extensive technical knowledge that is unlikely to overlap with the knowledge of experts in human behaviour. To address this gap we are developing a notation, based on UML sequence diagrams, with rules for translation into Communicating Sequential Processes, and derivable from human factors techniques. Our method will allow human factors expertise to directly shape the design of verifiable robotic systems.
Speaker: Ian Riley
Technical Director at Labman Automation with 20 years of lab automation experience, Ian is responsible for Labman’s technical direction. He works closely with customers to understand future needs and ensures Labman’s technology meets them. He also oversees Labman’s daily operations, and key customer accounts. With an MEng in Mechatronics from Leeds University, he specialises in instrumentation design manufacturing and project delivery.
Title: Human Robot interaction in Laboratory automation
Abstract: Labman Automation develop laboratory automation for clients worldwide. The demand for laboratory automation is ever increasing, however, adoption is often limited as the robotics can be perceived to be ‘intimidating’ or ‘too complicated’ for users. The various barriers to adoption will be presented, and some of Labman’s approaches to improve the human robot interaction will be discussed.
Speaker: Yasmeen Rafiq
Yasmin Rafiq has extensive experience in model-driven engineering, quantitative verification and autonomous computing. Her main interests are in self-adaptive, self-aware and self-managing systems that have capabilities to adapt, reconfigure and verify system requirements in real time during unpredictable changes in workload, requirements and environment. Her particular focus is on distributed systems, model-checking, and autonomous systems.
Title: Enhancing Safety and Reliability in Robot-Assisted Dressing through Hazard-Driven Mutation Testing
Abstract: As assistive technologies emerge as an alternative to human caregivers, ensuring their safety and reliability is crucial for real-world deployment. This work presents a hazard-assessment–driven mutation testing framework for the design of robotic assistant controllers, leveraging RoboChart models based on SHARD-UML and STPA hazard analysis recommendations. We utilise RoboTool to model and verify the behaviour of these controllers, incorporating safety into the design. Safety requirements derived from the hazard analysis are formalised using the RoboCert notation, and the CSP model checker FDR is used to verify that the models preserve these safety properties.
Our approach includes mutation testing to rigorously evaluate system robustness by creating domain-specific mutants of the RoboChart model to simulate potential faults. This process is automated using the Wodel tool, which takes as input the RoboChart model and the meta-model. Comparing the behaviour of these mutants against the original model using FDR identifies weaknesses in the test suite and safety properties. This framework ensures that robotic assistant controllers are designed with robust safety measures and are thoroughly verified to handle real-world scenarios effectively. We apply this framework to a robot-assisted dressing (RAD) case study, demonstrating its effectiveness in ensuring the RAD system’s robustness and reliability. The results from this analysis can inform runtime monitoring, focusing on critical safety properties to ensure continuous safety in real-world deployment.
Speaker: James Kell
James is Robotics Technical Director at Jacobs Engineering UK Ltd, responsible for developing and implementing systems to extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure. James works with clients to capture new project requirements, enabling the team to deliver innovative solutions. He has grown revenue and expanded the application of nuclear robotics technologies to sectors such as defence, and waste water. James is the industrial director for the CRADLE prosperity partnership with the University of Manchester, which aims to provide key technologies to help Jacobs serve the needs of its clients in a more cost effective manner. James serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Robotics Growth Partnership sponsored by HM Government. With a strong academic background and a passion for inspiring the next generation of engineers, he holds a Visiting Professor role at the University of Nottingham.
Title: Challenges for cross sector adoption of robotics
Abstract: Jacobs is a global engineering and technology consultancy; challenging today and reinventing tomorrow. We have a group based in Warrington UK, that is focussed on the development and deployment of robotics and remote handling technologies for the maintenance and inspection of difficult to reach or dangerous environments, in order to extend the service lives of critical national infrastructure. As such, we aim to develop capabilities that can be utilised in several sectors, often far removed from that of the original intent. Whilst there are significant technological advantages to such an approach, there are also challenges to adoption such as those posed by regulatory authorities. Approaches to how these challenges are being addressed will be discussed.
Speaker: Ipek Caliskanelli
Principal research engineer at RACE/UKAEA. With a decade of experience spanning academia and industry, she has honed her skills in integrating existing research into nuclear applications and advancing technology readiness levels (TRL). Ipek currently has a patent application under review for an interoperable communication framework for nuclear robotics (European Patent Application No. 21157352.2 - 1203). She has participated in The Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for Nuclear (RAIN) Hub and lead the R&D work of the LongOps programme which was the UK-JAPAN collaboration of £12M shows capability in managing and leading large-scale research endeavors.
Title: Introduction to RACE & nuclear robotics challenges
Abstract: Nuclear is a niche area with very specific technical challenges. This talk will provide a detailed perspective of the nuclear challenges along with an overview of the initiatives and work being carried out at RACE (Remote Applications in Challenging Environments), part of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). The talk will also highlight various research and collaboration opportunities available at RACE, emphasizing how these initiatives contribute to the advancement of nuclear technology and the broader scientific community.
Speaker: Sofia Guerra
Dr Sofia Guerra leads Adelard, a product and services company working on dependability of digital systems. She is internationally recognized as an expert in the area of dependability assessment and justification of software-based systems. She pioneered the UK’s approach to justifying digital devices for nuclear facilities, and has impacted major projects, including UK nuclear build projects. Internationally, she influenced the US and Scandinavian approaches to safety assurance, authored IAEA reports, and participated in innovation networks, contributing to the discourse on AI in nuclear applications. Her work spans leadership, industry guidelines, global standards, and cutting-edge technologies. Dr Guerra has a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, a PhD in Mathematics, and a BA in Music and is a chartered engineer.
Title: Regulatory sandbox on artificial intelligence in the nuclear sector
Abstract: This talk will describe the work done as part of a regulatory sandboxing project, investigating the feasibility and challenges of constructing an assurance case for AI-based systems in the civil nuclear sector. Sandboxing was used to investigate case study systems outside the requirements of a real assessment process. As such, this allows for collaboration between regulators, licensees, system developers and safety case engineers to solve problems, identify challenges and agree priorities for future work. This work investigated two applications for AI in the nuclear sector: AI to control a robotic glovebox for processing radioactive waste, and AI to support structural integrity claims in the plant safety case.
Speaker: Pedro Ribeiro
Pedro Ribeiro has over a decade of experience working on mathematical principles underpinning software engineering of cyber-physical systems. He obtained his PhD from the University of York in the area of formal methods. At York he has held post-doctoral positions in both the School of Physics Engineering and Technology (PET) and the Department of Computer Science (CS), where he is currently a lecturer.
Title: Testing of a Firefighting UAV using RoboStar technology
Abstract: Recent surveys on testing of robotic systems indicate a prevalence of ad-hoc testing approaches, mainly drawing on the experience of domain experts. This is costly and presents several challenges: no statement can be made about the fault-detection capabilities of the test set, and mistakes in the specification and operationalisation of the tests may invalidate verdicts. In this talk, I will discuss our experience with testing a Firefighting UAV as part of the UKRI TAS Verifiability Node. This will cover recent work on model-based testing of components implemented using ROS starting from RoboChart models. I will also discuss work related to the operationalisation of Social, Legal, Ethical, Empathetic and Cultural requirements relevant to the application domain.
Speaker: John-Patrick Richardson
As Robotics Development Lead for National Nuclear Laboratory, John-Patrick has responsibility for the development & technical delivery of NNL’s strategy for the Robotics Capability through the co-ordination of customers, suppliers, universities, and other companies. His responsibilities cover two main areas: leading on the development of the Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Strategy for NNL and business development; and ensuring the technical delivery of RAI work across NNL. As Skill Area Lead for NNL Decision Science’s Robotics Software Development capability, John-Patrick also has responsibility for development of the capability in supporting delivery of the Sellafield Ltd and NNL Robotics strategy for accelerated decommissioning under NNL’s management.
Title: Learning from Experience on Robotic Deployments in the UK Nuclear Industry
Abstract: Although robotics solutions have been used across many industries for many purposes, sites such as Sellafield are bringing robotics more and more to the UK nuclear industry to conduct tasks in extreme environments. The Sellafield site in Cumbria contains historic waste storage silos and ponds, some of which started operations in the 1950s and contain some of the most hazardous Intermediate Level Waste in the UK. There is a pressing need to decommission these ageing facilities as soon as possible, as some of them pose significant radiation risk. Within some of these facilities, operators must work in limited access and/or dangerous environments, with conditions often described using the 4Ds (dirty, dark, dangerous, dull). Through the use of remote robotics however, humans can be removed from these dangerous environments and also assist with boring, repetitive tasks; thus reducing the risk of human error. This talk will provide LFE from how National Nuclear Laboratory works alongside UK nuclear sites such as Sellafield to explore the use of Robotics and AI, conducting continuous research into evolving RAI solutions collaborating with the supply chain and academia to understand where the modification of inexpensive Commercial-of-the-Shelf technology is suitable, or whether a more tailored, bespoke solution is required.
Department of Computer Science
Deramore Lane, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5GH, UK
Tel: 01904 325500
University of York legal statements
