Automated consistency checking between safety concept and safety PLC code - 30hp

ELEKTROAUTOMATIK AB IS A LEADING PLAYER IN THE AUTOMATION INDUSTRY, SPECIALIZING IN TECHNOLOGY AND AUTOMATION. WE WANT YOU TO HAVE

THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK ON SOMETHING YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT, LEADING TO A MORE REWARDING EXPERIENCE. OUR FOCUS IS ON MATCHING

THE RIGHT PERSON WITH THESIS PROPSAL.

Safety functions for a machine are specified in a spreadsheet, the blockschema, and implemented separately as a program in a

failsafe PLC. Nothing checks automatically that the two agree. One person writes the blockschema, another writes the safety

program. The spreadsheet is also used for several tests in the machine during commissioning which confirms machine behaviour is

according to safety concept.

This thesis builds a tool that reads the implemented safety logic out of a Siemens TIA safety project, reads the specified safety

logic out of the blockschema, puts both into the same model and reports the differences.

A second part of the work is deciding what that result is actually worth: what can be claimed about safety once such a check

exists and what still has to be verified by a person.

The safety program reproduces that table closely enough that an experienced engineer can read one and predict the other. That is

what makes the correspondence checkable by machine in the first place.

One problem though is change. An extra door is added to an area during commissioning, or a drive moves from area 3 to area 4. The

spreadsheet is updated and the program is not, or the other way round. The mismatch survives until validation testing, or it is

not caught at all. Validation according to ISO 13849-2 is manual and has to be repeated after every modification, which means in

practice it is repeated less thoroughly than it should be.

2. Is there a representation expressive enough for both the informal specification and the implementation, and still simple

enough to diff and explain?

4. What confidence gain can be claimed from an automated consistency check, given how the functional safety standards treat

software tools?

5. (Stage 4) Can a language model produce useful and traceable flags on safety concept documents without becoming a source of

unjustified confidence?

You are in the final year of an engineering degree program specializing in automation, production, programming, or a related

field.

Furthermore, we are looking for someone with a strong interest in technology and a desire to learn. You are responsible and

structured in your work, and you excel at interacting, organizing, and coordinating your tasks with your supervisor. We also value

a positive attitude and strong collaboration and communication skills.

We can offer you a role that is both challenging and tailored to your needs, ensuring you enjoy the assignment. You will be

assigned a supervisor with whom you will have regular check-ins for support and guidance.

We also value a strong sense of community and therefore provide an office space for you to use during your thesis work, keeping

you close to our team.

Elektroautomatik is Sweden’s largest automation integrator and a full-service provider in the field of automation. We offer

customized automation solutions, AGVs, high-quality machinery, training, and service that streamline and ensure the quality of our

customers' production and logistics. With expertise spanning from initial concept to finished production and a broad range of

competencies, we are a comprehensive partner for sustainable and innovative solutions.

We kindly request that advertising sales representatives and recruitment agencies refrain from contacting us regarding this

recruitment process.