Embedded Systems
The research specialisation of Embedded Systems focuses on developing the technology that is used to control various products such as cars, robots and machines. This research ranks internationally among the best in the world.
The researchers work close to industry and create technology which makes it possible to increase safety in health care, reduce risks in industry and simplify everyday life through smart solutions in our homes. A large part of this research is conducted in cooperation with industrial partners such as ABB and Volvo.
Four areas of focus
Computer and Data Science (CDS)
Computer and Data Science (CDS) conducts research on novel approaches, algorithms, techniques, and tools in AI (Artificial Intelligence) and machine learning, optimization, heterogeneous data from various sensing devices, software and hardware for robots, brain-like computing, as well as formal methods and static program analysis. Our models and algorithms can make predictions about physical and environmental phenomena and improve the systems’ ability to adapt and refine their behavior in real time, with a high degree of predictability assurance. The research ranges from theoretical contributions to applied ones in close collaboration with industry.
CDS is active in research and education on the following fronts:
1) Artificial intelligence, machine learning and optimization,
2) Formal methods and static analysis of programs, and
3) Robotics and data analysis.
Leader: Cristina Seceleanu External link.
Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)
The Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) research specialization conducts research with a focus on the (embedded) system’s run-time platform including execution of software, communication of data and control, and runtime adaptation mechanisms. Research at ECE addresses systems that are integrated into a physical, computing, or electrical environment, and are of criticality that require high reliability, high degree of safety and security, predictable timing, and performance, and often have limited resources for computation, communication, and energy. Such systems typically combine analog and digital hardware interconnected by wired or wireless communication as well as software for controlling the functionality of the system.
ECE is rooted in the classical academic subjects of Computer Engineering (CE) and Electrical Engineering (EE). Here, MDU’s researchers are particularly active within the following research areas
1) embedded and distributed systems, looking at predictable and efficient run-time platforms, protocols and mechanisms for execution of embedded and distributed systems’ software,
2) data communication, looking at research towards dependable communication through design, measurement and evaluation of theories and algorithms, aiming towards robust protocols for wired and wireless communication in time-critical applications, and
3) automation and control systems, including research towards modelling, analysis, optimization, and design of control systems for industrial applications, with focus on automation, robotics, and distributed systems applications.
Our main application areas include vehicular systems, process automation, and industrial robotics, where several solutions to research challenges are developed in close collaboration with industrial partners.
Leader: Thomas Nolte External link.
Medical and health engineering (MHE)
Medical and health engineering is an interdisciplinary field that unites engineering and medical sciences to create cutting-edge technologies with the purpose to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases, as well as to support human well-being. The field spans from the design and development of new devices, systems and methods to the improvement of existing ones.
The researchers within the Medical and Health Engineering (MHE) research area at MDU have competences in medical engineering, neuroengineering, sensor technology, sensor systems, electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, signal processing, artificial intelligence, human-system interaction, user-centered design, as well as physiology, psychology, and health.
A vital part of the research is the collaboration with scientific experts from other engineering disciplines including data communication and robotics, and with stakeholders representing the medical- and health sector, municipalities, and the private sector.
Leader: Maria Lindén External link.
Software and Systems Engineering (SSE)
Software and Systems Engineering (SSE) conducts research on theory, methods, processes, algorithms, and tools to support the design, development, testing, and maintenance of industrial software and software-intensive systems, including research on model-based development to simplify development and operation, dependability (e.g., safety and security) to assure that systems can be sufficiently trusted, and software testing, addressing quality attributes needed for dependability and performance.
Leader: Jan Carlson External link.
Third-cycle studies - our PhD programmes
Apart from conventional research studies within the subjects of Computer Science and Electronics, two company research schools in Embedded Systems are conducted in collaboration with a number of industrial companies. These company research schools give staff at the companies the opportunity to further educate themselves as researchers and to take doctoral degrees.
- ITS ESS-H is a company research school in Embedded Sensor Systems for Health, which is funded by the Knowledge Foundation.
- Array is an company research school in automation, developed in collaboration with several of the world's leading automation companies. It is funded by the Knowledge Foundation.
- RELIANT is an industrial graduate school for resilient intelligent autonomous systems, funded by the Knowledge Foundation.
Research profile
A research profile is a long-term strategic venture that involves researchers from several areas of skills. MDU's research profiles are conducted in collaboration with the private sector, which means that representatives from the companies involved work side by side with the researchers in the profile. Its purpose is to make use of one another’s skills and thereby achieve a better result.
Research groups in Embedded Systems
Artificial Intelligence och Intelligent Systems
Foundational and applied research in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Intelligent Systems for both industry, medical and business applications. The research focuses on methods and techniques enabling learning, reasoning, experience reuse, and experience sharing. We work with both autonomous AI applications as well as decision support systems.
Read more about Artificial Intelligence och Intelligent SystemsAutomated Software language and Software engineering
The ASSO research group focuses on automating the engineering of software languages and software by applying advanced computation and data manipulation techniques.
Read more about Automated Software language and Software engineeringBiomedical Engineering
The research within the Biomedical Engineering group focuses on reliable non-invasive physiological data acquisition and signal processing. The aim is to find solutions to real problems and the projects are performed in close collaboration with the public sector.
Read more about Biomedical EngineeringCertifiable Evidences and Justification Engineering
This group performs research on languages, techniques, metrics, and processes for engineering evidence(s) and justifications for the purpose of certification/selfassessment.
Read more about Certifiable Evidences and Justification EngineeringComplex Real-Time Embedded Systems
We focus on execution and analysis of real-time systems, with a particular focus on multiprocessor scheduling techniques, synchronization protocols, predictable execution of real-time systems, compositional theory and technology, and similar topics related to predictability of real-time systems.
Read more about Complex Real-Time Embedded SystemsCyber-Physical Systems Analysis
The research group is focused on analyzing cyber-physical systems, as concurrent and distributed systems where embedded computers and networks monitor and control the physical processes.
Read more about Cyber-Physical Systems AnalysisData Communication
Data Communication, a part of the Division of Networked and Embedded Systems.
Read more about Data CommunicationDependable Software Engineering
Methods and processes for engineering dependable software systems.
Read more about Dependable Software EngineeringFormal Modelling and Analysis of Embedded Systems
Focusing on formal modelling, analysis, and verification techniques for real-time embedded systems. In particular, formal syntax and semantics of componentbased and service oriented models with extra-functional properties such as time or resources.
Read more about Formal Modelling and Analysis of Embedded SystemsHeterogeneous systems - hardware software co-design
The group aims to boost exploitation of heterogeneous systems in terms of predictability, effective development and efficient software-hardware integration for next-generation intelligent embedded systems.
Read more about Heterogeneous systems - hardware software co-designIndustrial Software Engineering
Focusing on engineering of complex software-intensive embedded systems, covering the entire lifecycle and including technologies, methods and processes. Particular emphasis on component- and model-based software engineering for embedded systems.
Read more about Industrial Software EngineeringLearning and Optimisation
The group aims to explore the synergy between machine learning and optimization to achieve collaborative effects in building highly efficient and smart systems.
Read more about Learning and OptimisationModel-Based Engineering of Embedded Systems
Development of methods and tools for model-based engineering of embedded systems. Including: models for architectural and behavioral descriptions of system and requirements for systems, techniques for analyzing and transforming models, and runtime architectures for resource efficient, predictable embedded systems.
Read more about Model-Based Engineering of Embedded SystemsProgramming Languages
Worst-case execution time analysis, as well as design and analysis of languages for real-time and embedded systems. Focusing on static program analysis for embedded systems, specializing in Worst-Case Execution Time analysis.
Read more about Programming LanguagesReal-Time Systems Design
Focusing on design methods, architectures, and communication for real-time system, with current emphasis on functional safety, cybersecurity, adaptive real-time systems, and software testing.
Read more about Real-Time Systems DesignRobotics
The robotics research group is mainly conducting research in the area of autonomous collaborating systems.
Read more about RoboticsSafety-Critical Engineering
Focusing on bridging the theoretical foundations of dependability and industrial software development practices, with an emphasis on the technology and process aspects of complex dependable systems.
Read more about Safety-Critical EngineeringSoftware Testing Laboratory
Testing of embedded software, empirical studies of software testing, test automation and model-based testing.
Read more about Software Testing LaboratoryUbiquitous Computing
Computing as environmental process and environment as computing devices.
Read more about Ubiquitous ComputingMore information about Embedded Systems
Fore more information about Embedded Systems,
please contact Mikael Sjödin, Head of Research.
Ongoing research projects
The project goal is to overcome the main challenges of synthesis and verification of safe and secure AD controllers, which exist in the current automotive industry in Sweden.
Project manager at MDU: Rong Gu
Main financing: KK-stiftelsen