Michigan State University (MSU) College of Engineering will work with a German auto parts maker called ZF to develop new methods to address potential cybersecurity threats that autonomous vehicles might face in the future.

In an effort to deal with automotive cybersecurity and safety issues, Betty H.C. Cheng, professor of computer science and engineering, will work with ZF to develop a cybersecurity method to help “identify, mitigate and/or prevent threats to automotive systems.”

“We’ll develop a set of reusable design patterns and quality assurance techniques that are amenable to automated analysis,” Cheng says.

“In other words, we’re going to put artificial intelligence to work to improve functionality and safety requirements in new and existing automotive designs.”

Some of the main areas of focus during the research will be advanced driver assistance systems, as well as connected and automated driving systems.

​On Oct. 5, while visiting MSU's campus, ZF executives provided a $50,000 check to launch the project.

“Our extensive work in automated analysis of high-assurance systems like on-board automotive systems, NASA space shuttle software, two-way radios and cellular networks will help us to deliver acceptable and safer outcomes,” Cheng adds.