Exploring the role of simulator fidelity in the safety validation of learning-enabled autonomous systems

This article presents key insights from the New Faculty Highlights talk given at AAAI 2023, focusing on the crucial role of fidelity simulators in the safety evaluation of learning-enabled components (LECs) within safety-critical systems. With the rising integration of LECs in safety-critical systems, the imperative for rigorous safety and reliability verification has intensified. Safety assurance goes beyond mere compliance, forming a foundational element in the deployment of LECs to reduce risks and ensure robust operation. In this evolving field, simulations have become an indispensable tool, and fidelity's role as a critical parameter is increasingly recognized. By employing multifidelity simulations that balance the needs for accuracy and computational efficiency, new paths toward comprehensive safety validation are emerging. This article delves into our recent research, emphasizing the role of simulation fidelity in the validation of LECs in safety-critical systems.