Run‐time error detection of space‐robot based on adaptive redundancy

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel algorithm to handle space environment induced errors in the space‐robot software.

Design/methodology/approach

The radiations in outer space may induce transient errors in micro‐processors, this phenomena will make software behavior unpredictable, and the existing software fault tolerance methods have been restricted in non‐multi‐threaded operation systems, non‐component‐based frameworks, non‐cacheable micro‐processors, non‐distributed environments, etc. A software model for space‐robot software, based on adaptive redundancy, is developed and a corresponding run‐time error detection algorithm is presented in this paper. Software was monitored and run‐time transient error would be detected and processed.

Findings

Experiments indicate that this method introduces about 30‐35 percent time overhead and about 200‐230 percent memory overhead. It also increases the fault detection rate to 84‐92.5 percent. Moreover, the model and algorithm is effective in a realistic space robot environment.

Originality/value

A redundancy model is developed and an error detection algorithm is introduced in this paper. Experiments demonstrate it can provide space‐robot software with good protection against the radiation induced transient errors.

Citation

Gao, X., Liao, M., Wu, X. and Li, C. (2009), "Run‐time error detection of space‐robot based on adaptive redundancy", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 81 No. 1, pp. 14-18. https://doi.org/10.1108/00022660910926863