Keynote Speakers

Verifying Autonomous Systems as a Lifetime Sport

Abstract:
In this talk we will look into the challenges of verifying autonomous systems, in an attempt to come closer to an answer to the question: How should autonomous systems be analyzed?
As a potential solution, we show a two-layer framework for verifying autonomous vehicles, which consists of a static layer and a dynamic layer. We focus concretely on modeling and verifying the path-following function of an autonomous wheel loader, which is a machine that transports materials within a construction site without a human in the cab. In our framework, decoupling is achieved by separating the verification of the vehicle's autonomous path and mission planning, from that of the vehicle’s autonomous operation in its continuous dynamic environment.
We use the timed automata technology and the model checker UPPAAL for the static layer, and hybrid automata formalism and the extension of UPPAAL to statistical model checking, UPPAAL SMC for analyzing the vehicle’s movement, as well as its collision avoidance mechanism via a dipole flow field algorithm.


Short Bio:
Docent Cristina Seceleanu is Associate Professor at Mälardalen University, Sweden, Networked and Embedded Systems Division, and leader of the Formal Modeling and Analysis of Embedded Systems research group. She has a MSc. in Electronics (Polytechnic University of Bucharest, Romania), earned in 1993, and a Ph.D. in Computer Science (Turku Centre for Computer Science and Åbo Akademi, Finland), earned in 2005. Her research focuses on developing formal models and verification techniques for predictable real-time and adaptive embedded systems. She has been involved in several national and European research projects (FP7, ARTEMISIA, AAL), out of which she is currently leading three. She has served in the editorial boards of several journals such as Frontiers in ICT: Formal Methods, and International Journal of Embedded and Real-Time Communication Systems (IJERTCS), organized large symposiums such as the 38th Annual IEEE International Computers, Software & Applications Conference (COMPSAC 2014), or smaller events such as the International Workshop on Formal Methods for Industrial Critical Systems and Automated Verification of Critical Systems (FMICS-AVoCS 2017), or the 23rd Nordic Workshop on Programming Theory (NWPT’11), as well as served in the technical program committees of about 100 conferences in the field.


AI4SE: Challenges and opportunities of using machine learning and AI to improve software engineering practices

Abstract:
Machine learning, big data and artificial intelligence have gained a lot of attention in the last few years. It has the potential to revolutionize the way of constructing software. It also has a potential to improve ways of working and practices of software engineering. In this talk I show how we have worked with machine learning in software center, where we used AI and ML to improve the speed of software development and improve the quality. I will also show the most common pitfalls that one needs to avoid when introducing ML to SE. I will finish the talk with an outline of possibilities that are around the corner, but still not here yet!

Short Bio:
Docent Miroslaw Staron is Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. He has published extensively on software metrics, model-driven software development and empirical software engineering and cooperates with Ericsson, Volvo and other telecom companies and car manufacturers. He is also the coordinator of a research group SEAS - Software Engineering for Embedded and Automotive Systems.


Close the gap between human and system. Enhancing enterprise systems with cognitive and conversational skills.

Abstract:
Technological advances in recent years have made it possible to rethink how we interact with enterprise legacy systems. We now have the tools to build and deploy more accurate and relevant conversations between man and machine, and this is giving rise to more and more chatbots and IVAs being used in the enterprise ecosystem. This has made an enormous impact in the way businesses work, as workers are now freed from monotonous and repetitive tasks and can focus on activities which have the biggest added value for business.

Short Bio:
Graduated top of her class at the Faculty of Economic Cybernetics, Statistics, Economic Informatics at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Andreea Plesea is a developer at heart. She has a PhD in Business Computer Studies with focus on artificial intelligence, and numerous international awards. Andreea has been named one of the most successful young managers in Romania, running large development teams in TotalSoft, one of the largest software companies in CEE. Now she's taking that success even further as the COO for Druid - a Romanian AI startup that develops a "no-code" chatbot authoring platform which helps any organization plan, develop, and deploy Chatbots capable of responding efficiently to all business stakeholders' needs.


1. Thread Concurrency vs Network A synchronicity: Rethinking IT Architecture for cloud-native Java enterprise applications and distributed systems. Show how to use different strategies and patterns to guarantee scaling, high availability and an outstanding performance in an distributed environment.
2. Concurrent Programming and Relational Databases: Show how to solve the async database access puzzle

Short Bio:
Răzvan Prichici is an experienced, hands-on software architect focused on the architecture, design and implementation of microservices, cloud services and distributed systems. He works everyday on solving hard business problems with cutting-edge technologies for Cognizant Softvision (CS). CS is a leading product engineering company, creating impactful end to end digital products and solutions that connect brands with customers. Delivering sustainable innovation, agility and a connection that inspires engagement and business transformation, CS worked with some of the world’s largest leading brands. Cognizant Softvision has over 10,000 product, design and engineering professionals across a network of 25 studios in 10 countries and 5 continents. Working with dynamic brands like Estee Lauder, Groupon, Microsoft, Macy’s, Mozilla, Lululemon, Neiman Marcus, among others, CS makes it our business to go the extra mile. CS engineers are relentless in advancing innovation and bringing change.
CS built world-class communities of expert talent - 13 Guilds, with a stellar delivery track record, long-term focus with 80% of the partnership of 7+ years from retail, healthcare and hi-tech to finance and telecom. CS have been present in Romania since 1998 and they have continuously grown over the years into a powerful team of more than 1600 employees. With Studios in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Iasi, Timișoara, and Baia Mare they embrace both IT professionals with strong software development skills and experience as well as young talented people, willing to learn, to develop their career and oriented towards success.
Learn how Cognizant Softvision designs experiences and engineers outcomes that result in memorable interactions at www.cognizantsoftvision.com.


ADP Business Intelligence: Women-Men Equality Index

Short Bio:
Andrei Dima is an experienced Business Intelligence specialist who works at ADP Sofware. ADP’s mission is to power organizations with insightful solutions for clients and their employees, as digital technology, globalization and new business models reshape the way people work. More details about the company can be found here.

Local sponsors

  • UPB
  • FILS
  • DILS
  • AIERR
  • Alsys Travel
  • cognizant soft vision
  • druid ai
  • adp
  • asaff

In cooperation with:

A special registration fee discount for SIGAPP or ACM members will be offered.

  • ACM
  • ACM SIGAPP
  • ACM SIGAPP
  • ICPS