Новый профессор ТУМ Рето Ахерманн разрабатывает методы обеспечения надежности сложных вычислительных систем

Newly appointed computer science professor Reto Achermann studies resilient computing systems that can operate reliably under complex conditions. His work lays the foundation for the digital infrastructures that people depend on every day. From mobile phones to cloud services or autonomous robots, modern societies depend on computing systems that function reliably. This is exactly what Reto Achermann is working on. The new Professor of Resilient Computing Systems at the TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology, previously worked at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and at ETH Zurich. To ensure that computing systems are correct, efficient, and reliable, Achermann studies the interaction between hardware and software. His work lies at the intersection of operating systems, computer architecture, and formal methods. These methods can be used to mathematically prove that software has the intended properties. "We all get frustrated when computer systems don't work. The goal of my research is to prevent that from happening," says Achermann. The success of his work often goes unnoticed. "Ideally, users won't notice when my work succeeds in the background." Reliability Despite Increasing Complexity This becomes clear in many everyday situations. For example, when purchasing a digital train ticket, users expect to receive the correct ticket, have the correct amount charged to their account, keep their personal data private, and complete the transaction before the train departs. For Achermann, requirements like these are expressions of resilience. Computing systems should perform reliably, even when faced with complex demands or heavy workloads. Another focus of his research is methods that eliminate errors in system software all together. Instead of discovering problems only after deployment, mathematical techniques can ensure the correctness of critical software components during development. The goal is to provide developers with tools that make building reliable systems easier and more efficient. At TUM, Reto Achermann plans to expand his research and develop new approaches for the next generation of computing systems. This will help ensure that digital systems remain efficient and reliable even as they become increasingly complex.