Anders Hessel Ph.D.

Research Leader • Principal Software Engineer

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About Me

Anders Hessel - Profile Photo

I am a software innovator and researcher with over 30 years of experience spanning from hands-on development to research leadership. I am currently focused on an executable model tool - low code. I have created a tool for executing BPMN-inspired processes in combination with an own script language/database, to glue it together. The heavy lifting can be done with building blocks that the users creates by themself in C#/JavaScript. This is now available in Xware's product xT 2.1 that was released June 2025.

I began my career at ISD Datasystem AB (1994-2000), progressing from developer to technical project manager, working on surveillance systems and air traffic control simulators. I then served as a consultant at Ericsson AB (2000-2001), with 3 months in Reading U.K., before pursuing my Ph.D. in Computer Science at Uppsala University (2001-2007), specializing in model-based testing of real-time systems. In the classic AI branch of search problems I created a tool called Uppaal CoVer that generates timed test sequences that fulfills a configurable coverage criterion.

After completing my PhD, I joined ENEA Software AB (2007-2009) as a software engineer and process developer, working on Eclipse-based debugging tools and multi-core optimization. Since 2009, I have been with Xware AB (now part of WiseTech Global Group) as (Principal) Software Architect, leading the development of monitoring and process automation tools including criteria-based notifications, BPMN-inspired workflows.

My career includes a postdoctoral research position at CRIM, Montreal Canada (2012-2013), where I worked on UML sequence diagram to state machine transformations and test case generation for hierarchical state machines in collaboration with Siemens and GM. I have also had a collaborations with Mälardalen University, successfully bridging academic research with industrial applications, including proof of concept of integrating Observer Automata into production systems.

Skills & Expertise

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Model-Based Testing

Expert in formal verification and automated test case generation for real-time systems using tools like UPPAAL.

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Observer Automata

Creator of the Hessel Observer Framework implementing observer automata modeling language for system monitoring.

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Software Architecture

Experienced in designing robust C++ frameworks and integrating formal methods into industrial applications.

Real-Time Systems

Specialized in timing analysis, coverage algorithms, and verification of time-critical software systems.

PhD Project

UPPAAL CoVer

A Test Case Generation Tool for Real-Time Systems

During my PhD studies at Uppsala University, I developed UPPAAL CoVer, a powerful tool for model-based test case generation for real-time systems. The tool extends the UPPAAL model checker with advanced coverage-based test generation capabilities, enabling automated testing of time-critical software systems.

Explore UPPAAL CoVer

Model-Based Testing

Automated test case generation from timed automata models using formal verification techniques.

Coverage Algorithms

Advanced coverage criteria and algorithms for comprehensive testing of real-time system behaviors.

UPPAAL Integration

Built on top of the UPPAAL verification engine, leveraging proven formal methods technology.

Industrial Application

Successfully applied to real-world systems including WAP gateway testing and telecommunications software.

Education

Ph.D., Computer Science
Uppsala University
2002 - 2007

Doctoral Thesis

Model-Based Test Case Generation for Real-Time Systems

M.Sc, Computer Science
Uppsala University
1989 - 1994

Activities & Societies

SNerikes Nation, SISN, Festivitas, SN-GK, Co-founder/Manager at Bryggan 1993, DVL/DVP

Publications

Conference Paper
Monitoring and Testing with Case Observer Automata: an Industry Report
Anders Hessel
TAIC-PART 2011, Berlin
2011
Book Chapter
Testing Real-time systems using UPPAAL
Anders Hessel, Kim G. Larsen, Marius Mikucionis, Brian Nielsen, Paul Pettersson, and Arne Skou
Formal Methods and Testing, LNCS 4949, pages 77-117
2008
PhD Thesis
Model-Based Test Case Generation for Real-Time Systems
Anders Hessel
Uppsala University, Ph.D. Thesis
2007
Tool Demo
CoVer - A Test Case Generation Tool for Real-Time Systems
Anders Hessel and Paul Pettersson
Testing of Software and Communicating Systems: Work-in-Progress and Position Papers, Tool Demonstrations, and Tutorial Abstracts of TestCom/FATES 2007, p 31-34
2007
Workshop Paper
A Global Algorithm for Coverage-Based Test Case Generation
Anders Hessel and Paul Pettersson
Proceedings of Third Workshop on Model-Based Testing, Electronic Notes in Theoretical Computer Science 16697
2007
Conference Paper
Model-Based Testing of a WAP Gateway: an Industrial Study
Anders Hessel and Paul Pettersson
Proceedings of FMICS and PDMC 2006, LNCS 4346
2006
Licentiate Thesis
Model-Based Test Case Selection and Generation for Real-Time Systems
Anders Hessel
Uppsala University, IT Licentiate Theses 2006-002
2006
Workshop Paper
Specifying and Generating Test Cases Using Observer Automata
Johan Blom, Anders Hessel, Bengt Jonsson, Paul Pettersson
Proceedings of the 4th International Workshop on Formal Approaches to Testing of Software (FATES'04)
2004
Conference Paper
A Test Case Generation Algorithm for Real-Time Systems
Anders Hessel and Paul Pettersson
Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Quality Software (QSIC'04), pages 268-273, IEEE Computer Society
2004
Workshop Paper
Time-Optimal Real-Time Test Case Generation using UPPAAL
Anders Hessel, Kim G. Larsen, Brian Nielsen, Paul Pettersson, and Arne Skou
Proceedings of the 3rd International Workshop on Formal Approaches to Testing of Software (FATES'03)
2003
Invited Talk
Time-Optimal Test Cases for Real-Time Systems
Anders Hessel, Kim G. Larsen, Brian Nielsen, Paul Pettersson, and Arne Skou
Proceedings of the 1st International Workshop on Formal Modeling and Analysis of Timed Systems (FORMATS'03)
2003

Get In Touch

I'm always interested in new opportunities and collaborations. Whether you have a project in mind or just want to say hello, feel free to reach out!