Testing, Verification and Improvements of Timeliness in ROS Processes

This paper addresses the problem improving response times of robots implemented in the Robotic Operating System (ROS) using formal verification of computational-time feasibility. In order to verify the real time behaviour of a robot under uncertain signal processing times, methods of formal verification of timeliness properties are proposed for data flows in a ROS-based control system using Probabilistic Timed Programs (PTPs). To calculate the probability of success under certain time limits, and to demonstrate the strength of our approach, a case study is implemented for a robotic agent in terms of operational times verification using the PRISM model checker, which points to possible enhancements to the operation of the robotic agent.