Quality Engineering News

Machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly being used in critical systems. In the report TR 103910, ETSI describes a transparent and effective approach for testing ML-based systems.

The Internet of Things (IoT) connects the majority of our devices and systems, such as smartphones, computers, and servers. They exchange messages with each other via so-called “brokers” and their communication protocols, e.g. MQTT. Fraunhofer FOKUS has developed a new security testing approach in the IoT. It employs innovative methods and tools that can be used to efficiently identify and eliminate vulnerabilities in communication protocols.

Industrial users need to carefully consider the capabilities of quantum computers and their available computing resources for different applications. DIN SPEC 91480 now makes it possible for the first time to compare different quantum computers using standardized key performance indicators (KPIs).

On September 11 and 12, the “6th International Workshop on Quantum Compilation (IWQC)” took place at Fraunhofer FOKUS. Researchers in the field of quantum computing exchanged ideas on new methods and techniques for optimizing programs for quantum computers.

Quantum computers are associated with the hope of achieving enormous leaps in computing power. To support developers in programming quantum computers, Fraunhofer FOKUS founded the Thinq Qrisp Community on September 10. Around 45 participants from industry and research met at the event. In addition to workshops and networking opportunities, the event was enriched by keynotes from Michael Johanning (eleQtron GmbH) and Lukas Burgholzer (Technical University of Munich).

Roman Kraus and Martin Schneider from the SQC business unit and Hoang Lam Nguyen from the Humboldt University of Berlin received the Distinguished Paper Award at the International Workshop on Search-Based and Fuzz Testing (SBFT) for their work on "Generator-based Fuzzing with Input Features". The workshop took place as part of the International Conference on Software Engineering (ICSE) from April 14-15, 2024 in Lisbon.

The high-level programming framework Qrisp developed by Fraunhofer FOKUS is now available as open-source Eclipse technology. This enables structured, open development of Qrisp according to the rules of the Eclipse Foundation. With the Qrisp framework, developers can write efficient and scalable quantum algorithms.

With the increasing demand for quantum computing, there is a growing need for programmers to have access to powerful and user-friendly tools for programming quantum systems. For this purpose, scientists at the Quality Engineering business unit at Fraunhofer FOKUS designed and released Qrisp, a high-level programming framework that makes it easy for developers to write efficient and scalable quantum algorithms.

On April 1, 2024, Nikolay Tcholtchev, Research Group Leader for Urban ICT and Quantum Computing, took up a professorship at RheinMain University of Applied Sciences. His work will focus on the application of information and communication technologies in the areas of smart city, smart country and smart region.

What opportunities and challenges does the transition to a Smart City bring for the city and its inhabitants? FOKUS scientists, together with other authors, were involved in a study by the Research Service of the European Parliament, which addresses this question, analyzes existing application scenarios, and proposes future solutions for EU policy.