Bayesian Formal Synthesis of Unknown Systems via Robust Simulation Relations

Abstract

This article addresses the problem of data-driven computation of controllers that are correct by design for safety-critical systems and can provably satisfy (complex) functional requirements. With a focus on continuous-space stochastic systems with parametric uncertainty, we propose a two-stage approach that decomposes the problem into a learning stage and a robust formal controller synthesis stage. The first stage utilizes available Bayesian regression results to compute robust credible sets for the true parameters of the system. For the second stage, we introduce methods for systems subject to both stochastic and parametric uncertainties. We provide simulation relations for enabling correct-by-design control refinement that are founded on coupling uncertainties of stochastic systems via subprobability measures. The presented relations are essential for constructing abstract models that are related to not only one model but to a set of parameterized models. The results are demonstrated on three case studies, including a nonlinear and a high-dimensional system.