Context and Background
A modular robotics platform was developed as part of the research project “Development and Establishment of the German Rescue Robotics Center” (“Aufbau und Etablierung des Deutschen Rettungsrobotik-Zentrums”). It consists of a mobile robot that serves as a carrier for interchangeable payload modules. The current system architecture comprises a PC controlling the mobile base, a microcontroller for switching the module slots, and module-specific hardware within the individual payload modules.
One use case is the deployment of the system in emergency response. A module for detecting people and determining their vital signs is used to reduce the workload of fire and rescue service personnel and protect them in hazardous situations. In the future, the module is intended to transmit data on the people detected directly to the hospital providing their treatment.
Your Tasks
The current system was developed with a focus on functionality and without a dedicated cybersecurity concept. The aim of your thesis is to systematically investigate potential attack surfaces of the system, assess the associated risks, and use these findings to develop a cybersecurity concept and recommendations for its implementation. To this end, you will analyse the relevant components, interfaces, and data flows, as well as existing security mechanisms. You will develop scenarios for potential security incidents and investigate their effects on the data being processed, the robot’s operational capabilities, and the safety of people affected. Your analysis should consider both the modular robotics platform and the planned transmission of data to a hospital. Based on your findings, you will identify suitable safeguards and assess their effectiveness and feasibility in light of the requirements of the intended deployment.
Your Profile
You are studying cybersecurity, robotics, computer science, or a related subject and are interested in the security of cyber-physical systems.
- You have good programming skills and a basic understanding of operating systems, computer networks, and cybersecurity.
- You are expected to work independently and systematically and to have an interest in experimental investigations.
- Experience with Linux, embedded systems, network analysis, or ROS/ROS 2 is an advantage.
- You are willing to familiarise yourself with the complementary disciplines relevant to the project.
Further Information
German Rescue Robotics Center (Deutsches Rettungsrobotik-Zentrum e.V.)
References
- H. Schwegmann, B. Kiefer, T. Plagge and F. Ernst, “Glasgow Coma Score Estimation Module for Deployment on Mobile Robots in Rescue Missions,” 2024 IEEE International Symposium on Safety Security Rescue Robotics (SSRR), New York, NY, USA, 2024, pp. 26-31, doi: 10.1109/SSRR62954.2024.10770040.
- A. Lel et al., “A Modularization Concept for Mobile Robots in Search and Rescue Applications,” 2023 IEEE International Symposium on Safety, Security, and Rescue Robotics (SSRR), Naraha, Fukushima, Japan, 2023, pp. 25-31, doi: 10.1109/SSRR59696.2023.10499942.
- J.-P. A. Yaacoub, H. N. Noura, O. Salman and A. Chehab, “Robotics cyber security: vulnerabilities, attacks, countermeasures, and recommendations,” International Journal of Information Security, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 115-158, 2022, doi: 10.1007/s10207-021-00545-8.
- D. Quarta, M. Pogliani, M. Polino, F. Maggi, A. M. Zanchettin and S. Zanero, “An Experimental Security Analysis of an Industrial Robot Controller,” 2017 IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy (S&P 2017), San Jose, CA, USA, 2017, pp. 268-286, doi: 10.1109/SP.2017.20.
- A. Botta, S. Rotbei, S. Zinno and G. Ventre, “Cyber security of robots: A comprehensive survey,” Intelligent Systems with Applications, vol. 18, article 200237, 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.iswa.2023.200237.