A Survivability Framework for Autonomous Systems

Abstract

This thesis introduces an architectural framework to address the autonomous operation of artificial systems by exploiting the effectiveness of survival-oriented processes occurring within biological organisms. Such physiological, psychological and cognitive processes underlying the ability of biological organisms to survive are directed at enhancing the decision making capabilities of artificial systems in order to increase their level of autonomy. In this framework, survivability is introduced as an important operational requirement, forming an integral part of a systemb s architecture and governing its design process. The framework incorporates the notions of needs and emotions as state representations whose interactions form the mechanisms that motivate and regulate the behaviour of an artificial system. Based on these representations, survivability then emerges from determining suitable actions that can allow a system to fulfil its needs. The relationships between needs, emotions and actions are encapsulated within a survivability reference architecture, from which different architectures can be instantiated.