Secure Means Of Communication Research Articles

Multimodal Interaction for Cobot Using MQTT

For greater efficiency, human–machine and human–robot interactions must be designed with the idea of multimodality in mind. To allow the use of several interaction modalities, such as the use of voice, touch, gaze tracking, on several different devices (computer, smartphone, tablets, etc.) and to integrate possible connected objects, it is necessary to have an effective and secure means of communication between the different parts of the system. This is even more important with the use of a collaborative robot (cobot) sharing the same space and very close to the human during their tasks. This study present research work in the field of multimodal interaction for a cobot using the MQTT protocol, in virtual (Webots) and real worlds (ESP microcontrollers, Arduino, IOT2040). We show how MQTT can be used efficiently, with a common publish/subscribe mechanism for several entities of the system, in order to interact with connected objects (like LEDs and conveyor belts), robotic arms (like the Ned Niryo), or mobile robots. We compare the use of MQTT with that of the Firebase Realtime Database used in several of our previous research works. We show how a “pick–wait–choose–and place” task can be carried out jointly by a cobot and a human, and what this implies in terms of communication and ergonomic rules, via health or industrial concerns (people with disabilities, and teleoperation).

A novel IoT sensor authentication using HaLo extraction method and memory chip variability

Since the inception of encrypted messages thousands of years ago, mathematicians and scientists have continued to improve encryption algorithms in order to create more secure means of communication. These improvements came by means of more complex encryption algorithms that have stronger security features such as larger keys and trusted third parties. While many new processors can handle these more complex encryption algorithms, IoT devices on the edge often struggle to keep up with resource intensive encryption standards. In order to meet this demand for lightweight, secure encryption on the edge, this paper proposes a novel solution, called the High and Low (HaLo) method, that generates Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) signatures based on process variations within flash memory. These PUF signatures can be used to uniquely identify and authenticate remote sensors, and help ensure that messages being sent from remote sensors are encrypted adequately without requiring computationally expensive methods. The HaLo method consumes 20x less power than conventional authentication schemes commonly used with IoT devices, it has an average latency of only 39ms for 512 bit signature generation, and the average error rate is below 0.06%. Due to its low latency, low error rate, and high power efficiency, the HaLo method can progress the field of IoT encryption standards by accurately and efficiently authenticating remote sensors without sacrificing encryption integrity.

Recht auf Vielfalt – auch bei der elektronischen Behördenkommunikation? Ansprüche auf Tätigwerden des Verordnungsgebers dargestellt am Beispiel des § 3a Abs. 2 S. 4 Nr. 4 VwVfG

<bold>Right to diversity — even at the Electronic Communication with the Authorities?</bold> <italic>Claims for Action of Regulation Provider Representet by the Example of § 3a Abs. 2 S. 4 Nr. 4 Administrative Procedures Act</italic> The German federal e-government act extends the range of permitted replacements of the written form by methods of electronic communication in the German Law of Administrative Proceedings. Apart from the qualified electronic signature, “De-Mail”, i.e. the state-regulated secure means of communication, will in the future also be suitable for fulfilling written form requirements by law. Additionally, § 3a Abs. 2 S. 4 Nr. 4 of the German VwVfG now entitles the government to equate further means of secure communication by federal ordinance given that they authenticate the data transmitter, the integrity of the transmitted record, and ensure freedom from barriers. The essay examines whether companies providing such means of secure communication can make a claim to be added to the ordinance, and further what remedies they have to enforce such a claim. Those claims can, on the one hand, be founded on the state’s objective enactment duties, and, on the other hand, on subjective rights of companies. Furthermore, the difference between claims against the government for the enactment and for the supplementing of statutes and ordinances is described. Generally, legal entitlements to the enactment of an ordinance are uncommon. Given that “De-Mail” is permitted by law, however, such entitlements are necessary to equalize competitors’ opportunities. As long as no such ordinance exists, competitors are entitled to demand an enactment of a statute under the less strict material prerequisites of supplementing a statute. Unjustified distinctions and effects on competitive positions may even force the government to act due to the constitutional principles of equality and freedom of profession. Eventually the authors express the hope that (unlike the qualified electronic signature) the recently permitted solutions to replace written form requirements spread successfully and that the government soon exercises its right to equate further solutions and services in the interest of a more modern and resident-friendly administration – without the providers having to take legal action.