Distributed and Intelligent Technologies

  • System execution modelling

    We have developed a visual modelling tool that enables us to model the performance (and the implications on space, weight and power) of software systems in the early stages of development, across a range of hardware platforms.

    Core capabilities

    Using model driven engineering techniques, we developed a modelling tool and framework for modelling the performance of SWaP constrained software systems, including combat management systems and drone control systems.

    These models can be deployed across a range of hardware platforms, supporting QoS and real-time performance testing under realistic performance conditions.

    We are exploring how we can use our framework to target new hardware environments, including GPU/FPGA, to understand their performance considerations for realistic software loads.

    Integration of legacy systems within a systems of systems approach to support integrated performance testing.

    Key collaborations

    • Established 10 year collaboration with DST Group (Maritime Operations Division)
    • Over $3,760,000 in associated government and industry funding.
    • ARC Linkage: Drones for Good: Airborne spatial tracking for saving endangered species, in collaboration with the Environment Institute.
    • Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (USA)
    • Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour (France)

    Key contact

    Professor Katrina Falkner
    Email: katrina.falkner@adelaide.edu.au
    Phone: +61 8 8313 6178

    School of Computer Science, University of Adelaide

  • Complex systems

    We are using complex systems modelling and analysis formalisms, techniques, and methodologies to solve critical real-life problems such as communication in contested environments and effects of climate change. 

    Core capabilities

    We employ modelling and analysis techniques to study real-life complex systems such as social networks, emergency departments and smart cities. Using complex systems theory, and in particular emergence, self-organisation and adaptability behaviours, we design systems that achieve particular desired properties.

    We are designing complex systems that adapt their communication patterns to contested environments. We study the effect of degraded communication environments on ad-hoc communication networks. 

    In our interdisciplinary work, we study the effect of climate change on the mating habits of fiddler crabs and the effect of agricultural decisions on wombat populations.

    Key collaborations

    • Collaboration with DST Group (Lands Division) – 2 years
    • $100,000 in government funding
    • Aberystwyth University (UK)
    • Old Dominion University (USA)
    • National University of Singapore (Singapore)

    Key contact

    Dr Claudia Szabo
    Email: claudia.szabo@adelaide.edu.au
    Phone: +61 8 8313 6744

    School of Computer Science, University of Adelaide

  • Mission critical systems
    • World leading expertise in design and evolution of architectures for software intensive mission systems
    • Extensive knowledge and skills in secure and scale private cloud for MACS

    Core capabilities

    • Building and leveraging design spaces for Cloud enabled systems, Internet of Things (IoT), and Fog Computing
    • Designing and evaluating secure software intensive complex systems for commercial and defence domains
    • Evaluating and deploying technologies for secure big data management and analytics in clouds
    • Processes and tools for DevOps paradigm
    • Design and implementation of secure deployment pipelines
    • Qualitative and quantitative data-driven experimentation for software technology transfer and innovation

    Key projects

    • Secure and scalable hybrid cloud infrastructure for Mission Agile Combat Systems (MACS)
    • Trustworthy and resilient architectures for Fog/Cloudlets based undersea and oversea combat management systems
    • Automation and security orchestration for security as a services hosted by cloud-enabled infrastructures
    • Modelling and analysing secure architectures of systems of systems in smart environments
    • Blockchain technologies for supporting information assurance in distributed tactical systems

    Key collaborators

    • Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTg)
    • CSIRO - Data61
    • Cyber Security Centre at Lancastre University UK

    Key contact

    Prof M. Ali Babar
    Email: ali.babar@adelaide.edu.au
    Phone: +61 8 8313 4366

    School of Computer Science, University of Adelaide

All defence research topics