EPCN: VISUALS: Verifiable Information-Theoretic Safety Under Augmented Latent Shifts

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $550,199 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Deep learning-based perception and control are increasingly popular in recent autonomous systems. Unfortunately, deep learning is vulnerable to various changes in the visual environment, known as visual shifts, which threaten the system’s performance and safety. This project aims to ensure the safety and performance of vision-based autonomous systems subject to visual shifts, including sun glares and seasonal changes such as snow-covered terrain. We will build specialized modeling, training, and adaptation techniques to overcome visual shifts based on the core idea that visual uncertainty should be treated by balancing informativeness with conservatism. This balance can be achieved by focusing on the most surprising visual phenomena to make safe choices in unforeseen circumstances. The intellectual merit of this project includes developing theories and algorithms at the intersection of formal verification and information theory that will endow vision-based autonomous systems with high-performance behaviors and previously unavailable theoretical guarantees. The broader impacts of this project include making vision-based autonomy safer and more reliable, particularly in the automotive sector, as well as transitioning insights gained from the project to practice by collaborating with researchers in the auto industry, publicly releasing our data and code, and providing university students with hands-on experience with safe perception and control. This project will develop an

Key facts

NSF award ID
2512169
Awardee
University of Florida (FL)
SAM.gov UEI
NNFQH1JAPEP3
PI
Ivan Ruchkin
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
LEARNING & INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS
Estimated total
$550,199
Funds obligated
$550,199
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
10/01/2025 → 09/30/2028