Adaptable Software Architectures and Task Synthesis for UAVs

In this paper we outline a framework for an adaptable architecture in which services are provided by components and components are interconnected to support more complex services. The use of component modes and architecture constraints on modes and structure is presented as a basis for permitting the safe update of systems while deployed. The goal is an adaptable software architecture that can be easily modified while in the operational field without the need to return to a service depot and more challengingly that permits update while the system is deployed on a mission. We propose a componentised architecture that together with explicit architectural constraints, self-assembly and self-healing will provide the flexibility necessary to satisfy the requirements for dynamic adaptability in UAVs.