META-II Technical Area Two: Metric of Adaptibility for Cyber-Physical Systems

Abstract : The objective of the research was to develop a comprehensive quantitative metric for adaptability that can be traded against other system metrics. This research built upon previous MIT research by developing a set of metrics to valuate adaptability by including switching costs and context-dependent utility of end states. Also developed was a companion valuation approach to guide analysis on adaptability tradeoffs regarding short run and long run benefits, as well as strategies for executing change mechanisms, whose omissions from previous metrics have resulted in the undervaluation of adaptability in systems architectures.