Towards modeling and execution of collective adaptive systems

Abstract

Collective Adaptive Systems comprise large numbers of heterogeneous entities that can join and leave the system at any time depending on their own objectives. In the scope of pervasive computing, both physical and virtual entities may exist, e.g., buses and their passengers using mobile devices, as well as city-wide traffic coordination systems. In this paper we introduce a novel conceptual framework that enables Collective Adaptive Systems based on well-founded and widely accepted paradigms and technologies like service orientation, distributed systems, context-aware computing and adaptation of composite systems. Toward achieving this goal, we also present an architecture that underpins the envisioned framework, discuss the current state of our implementation effort, and we outline the open issues and challenges in the field. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.