Up until recently traditional embedded systems, e.g. control units in cars, could exclusively be used in familiar and stable environments. However, in the future by the means of collaborative system networks approach, they shall also be used in a highly automated manner, i.e. autonomously, in much more variable areas of application with open contexts. The BMBF-project “Collaborative Embedded Systems” (CrESt) worked on the development of embedded systems towards model-based collaborative solutions with increased flexibility. The project involved 11 industrial and 12 academic partners and ended after three years of operation on January 31, 2020.
Embedded systems are an integral part of everyday life. For example they control the airbags in our cars and ensure the safety of airplanes and that the production in a modern factory runs as planned. However, the current state of technology limits the using potential. The existing software technology can only be used in completely known and stable environments. The software of the system networks cannot react to changes that are unpredictable at the time of programming. Moreover, a central (mostly human) control is indispensable for essential decisions. Technological limits go along with security concerns against increasing independence and flexibility. Errors and inaccuracies during the development process can endanger people and cause economic damage.
Partners and support
Under direction of TU Munich 12 research institutes and 11 business partners work together, including six companies from Berlin and Brandenburg. The project has a total volume of approximately 23 million euros and is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) with about 15 million euros as part of the program “IKT 2020 software intensive embedded systems".