Prototypic implementation and evaluation of an artificial DNA for self-descripting and self-building embedded systems

Abstract

Embedded systems are growing more and more complex because of the increasing chip integration density, larger number of chips in distributed applications, and demanding application fields (e.g., in cars and in households). Bio-inspired techniques like self-organization are a key feature to handle this complexity. However, self-organization needs a guideline for setting up and managing the system. In biology the structure and organization of a system is coded in its DNA. In this paper we present an approach to use an artificial DNA for that purpose. Since many embedded systems can be composed from a limited number of basic elements, the structure and parameters of such systems can be stored in a compact way representing an artificial DNA deposited in each processor core. This leads to a self-describing system. Based on the DNA, the self-organization mechanisms can build the system autonomously providing a self-building system. System repair and optimization at runtime are also possible, leading to higher robustness, dependability, and flexibility. We present a prototypic implementation and conduct a real-time evaluation using a flexible robot vehicle. Depending on the DNA, this vehicle acts as a self-balancing vehicle, an autonomous guided vehicle, a follower, or a combination of these.