Knowledge representation for adaptive and self-aware systems

This chapter presents the ASCENS approach to knowledge representation and reasoning for self-adaptive systems. The approach targets both the integration and promotion of autonomy and self-adaptation in software-intensive systems by providing a mechanism and methodology for specification and operation of knowledge for self-adaptive behavior. The approach is based on the KnowLang Framework, a formal approach to knowledge representation and reasoning developed within the ASCENS Project mandate. With KnowLang we build special knowledge bases meant to be integrated in software-intensive systems to establish the vital connection between knowledge, perception, and actions realizing self-adaptive behavior. At runtime, the knowledge is used against the perception of the world to generate appropriate actions in compliance to the system goals and beliefs.