====== Module: Control, Planning, and Decision-Making (Part 2) ======

^ **Study level** | Master |
^ **ECTS credits** | 1 ECTS |
^ **Study forms** | Hybrid or fully online |
^ **Module aims** | The aim of the module is to introduce validation and verification methods for control, planning and decision-making in autonomous systems. The course develops students’ ability to design, execute and interpret simulation-based and formal testing workflows that assess safety, robustness and standards compliance of autonomy controllers. |
^ **Pre-requirements** | Basic knowledge of control theory, optimisation and planning algorithms, as well as programming skills or MATLAB. Familiarity with model-based design tools, AI decision-making frameworks or simulation and real-time control environments is recommended but not mandatory. |
^ **Learning outcomes** | **Knowledge**\\ • Explain simulation-based and formal validation approaches for control and planning systems.\\ • Describe the use of model-checking, reachability analysis, and verification frameworks in autonomous systems.\\ • Understand standards relevant to control and decision-making validation.\\ • Discuss trade-offs between simulation fidelity, computational efficiency, and real-time constraints.\\ **Skills**\\ • Develop and validate control and planning algorithms in simulation environments.\\ • Apply formal verification tools to analyze safety and correctness properties.\\ • Design hybrid validation workflows combining Monte Carlo simulation and symbolic reasoning.\\ • Evaluate algorithm robustness and decision safety under stochastic and adversarial conditions.\\ **Understanding**\\ • Appreciate the role of rigorous validation in certifying autonomous behaviors and AI-based decision-making.\\ • Recognize limitations of current simulation and formal verification tools in high-dimensional, data-driven systems.\\ • Adopt ethical, transparent, and standards-compliant practices in the assurance of autonomy. |
^ **Topics** | 1. Validation of Control and Planning Systems:\\    – System-level validation frameworks and verification-driven design.\\    – Simulation fidelity, corner-case testing, and scenario coverage.\\ 2. Simulation Environments and Tools:\\    – SIL/HIL setups, Monte Carlo analysis, and statistical validation.\\    – Multi-domain co-simulation for cyber-physical systems.\\ 3. Formal Verification and Model Checking:\\    – Safety property specification and temporal logic.\\    – Reachability analysis, invariant verification, and constraint solving.\\ 4. Hybrid and Nonlinear Systems:\\    – Modeling hybrid automata and nonlinear control loops.\\    – Formal abstraction and conservative over-approximation techniques.\\ 5. Standards and Safety Frameworks:\\    – ISO 26262, ISO 21448, IEEE 2846, and ASAM OpenSCENARIO for validation.\\ 6. Case Studies:\\    – Autonomous driving, UAV flight control, and robotic path planning validation. |
^ **Type of assessment** | The prerequisite of a positive grade is a positive evaluation of module topics and presentation of practical work results with required documentation |
^ **Learning methods** | **Lecture** — Cover theory and methodologies for simulation-based and formal validation of control and planning systems.\\ **Lab works** — Implement and test controllers in virtual and hybrid environments (ROS2, MATLAB, CARLA, Scenic, CommonRoad, UPPAAL).\\ **Individual assignments** — Develop validation pipelines, perform reachability analysis, and document results.\\ **Self-learning** — Study research papers and international standards on autonomy verification and formal safety assurance. |
^ **AI involvement** | AI tools may be used to automate scenario generation, identify unsafe trajectories, and optimize validation coverage. Students must validate AI-assisted outcomes, ensure reproducibility, and cite AI involvement transparently in deliverables. |
^ **Recommended tools and environments** | MATLAB/Simulink, ROS2, CARLA, UPPAAL, SPIN, or CBMC |
^ **Verification and Validation focus** |  |
^ **Relevant standards and regulatory frameworks** | ISO 26262, ISO 21448 (SOTIF), and IEEE 2846, ASAM OpenSCENARIO |