Researchers of the North-Caucasus Federal University have proposed a new approach to ensuring data security – an accurate method that will help detect malicious robots in swarm robotics systems. It allows swarm members reaching an effective consensus even in the presence of malicious robots.

As Dmitry Bespalov (Rector, NCFU) explained these systems belong to one of the most promising technologies, and can be used for operational tasks in areas implying unfavorable and life-threatening conditions, including for search and rescue of people in disaster zones.

– Such systems are in active interacting with each other and the environment through a collective decision-making process. To ensure effective work, they need constant coordination of their actions. In some cases, this mechanism fails, which can potentially disable the entire system. Researchers all over the world have been trying to solve the issue looking for some reliable protection, so that even in the presence of malicious robots, the system should make the right decision. And now our researchers have proposed a peculiar and effective way to achieve this goal, – Mr. Bespalov was quoted as saying.

Sergey Ryabtsev (Senior Lecturer, Department of Computer Security, NCFU) also noted that the NCFU experts had carried out a large-scale study and identified certain patterns in malicious robots’ behavior thus proposing truly reliable solutions.