Verification and validation of knowledge-based systems

Knowledge-based systems (KBS) are being used in many applications areas where their failures can be costly because of the losses in services, property, or even life. To ensure their reliability and dependability, it is therefore important that these systems are verified and validated before they are deployed. This paper provides perspectives on issues and problems that impact the verification and validation (V&V) of KBS. Some of the reasons V&V of KBS is difficult are presented. The paper also provides an overview of different techniques and tools that have been developed for performing V&V activities. Finally, some of the research issues that are relevant for future work in this field are discussed.