In our daily lives, we often overlook the presence of cyber-physical systems, which encompass software and hardware components that communicate with and control physical reality. These systems can range from wind turbines to cars and even life-saving devices like pacemakers.

When utilizing complex embedded IT systems, it is crucial for them to be reliable and robust. We need to trust that they will function flawlessly, such as airbags deploying within microseconds in the event of a potential collision, regardless of other ongoing processes.

For over 25 years, UPPAAL has been one of the most widely used tools for verifying real-time models in both academia and industry. Now, an enhanced version, UPPAAL 5.0, is available. The release was celebrated at a reception held at Aalborg University on Friday, June 23rd.

From traffic management to managing Corona initiatives

One of the principal architects behind the system is Kim Guldstrand Larsen, a professor at the Department of Computer Science at Aalborg University. He cofounded the tool in 1995 in a collaboration between Aalborg University and Uppsala University.

- I am very proud that we can launch a new version where we consolidate most of the tools developed under the UPPAAL umbrella into one comprehensive new version. UPPAAL's effectiveness has been repeatedly demonstrated, and it has been applied in numerous contexts, including traffic management, district heating regulation, rainwater management, and Corona initiatives. It serves as an excellent example of how something grounded in theory can have great practical value for both companies and society, explained Kim Guldstrand Larsen at the event.

During the reception, video greetings from colleagues in Germany, Austria, Iceland, China, Sweden, and the USA were shown, featuring individuals  representing universities and organisations who either use UPPAAL or have been involved in its development.

And precisely, the continuous development of the tool was highlighted several times. In his speech, Kim Guldstrand Larsen emphasized how the current system is the result of the hard work of many people:

- We also owe a big thank you to colleagues who have played a significant role in bringing us to where we are today, launching a toolbox full of excellent tools for simulating, testing and verifying models and systems.

Interaction between research, theory, and practical application

Another speaker at the event, Peter Axel Nielsen, the head of Department of Computer Science at Aalborg University, highlighted the extraordinary long-term team effort involved in UPPAAL's development. He emphasized the unique nature of the software and research approach, attributing its success to the interaction between research, theory, and practical application in concrete cases.

In addition to Kim Guldstrand Larsen, the current team of researchers working on the development of UPPAAL include Marius Mikučionis, Falke Carlsen, Thorulf Neustrup, Sean Kristian Remond Harbo, and Kenneth Yrke.