Abstract
Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) integrate computation, networking and physical processes to produce products that are autonomous, intelligent, connected and collaborative. Resulting Cyber-Physical Systems of Systems (CPSoS) have unprecedented capabilities but also unprecedented corresponding technological complexity. This paper aims to improve understanding, awareness and methods to deal with the increasing complexity by calling for the establishment of new foundations, knowledge and methodologies. We describe causes and effects of complexity, both in general and specific to CPS, consider the evolution of complexity, and identify limitations of current methodologies and organizations for dealing with future CPS. The lack of a systematic treatment of uncertain complex environments and “composability”, i.e., to integrate components of a CPS without negative side effects, represent overarching limitations of existing methodologies. Dealing with future CPSoS requires: (i) increased awareness of complexity, its impact and best practices for how to deal with it, (ii) research to establish new knowledge, methods and tools for CPS engineering, and (iii) research into organizational approaches and processes to adopt new methodologies and permit efficient collaboration within and across large teams of humans supported by increasingly automated computer aided engineering systems.
Highlights
Modern technological development is fueled by simultaneous advances in software, data science and artificial intelligence (AI), communications, computation, sensors, actuators, materials, and their combinations such as 3D printing, batteries and augmented reality
Different perspectives on these advances have led to the creation of many terms—Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), the Internet of Things (IoT), Industry 4.0, and the Swarm—to represent new classes of technologically enabled systems
This paper focuses on the complexity of future CPS, intuitively interpreted as a system characteristic making it difficult, and sometimes even impossible, to accurately predict behavior over time, especially in terms of understanding all relevant interactions among CPS elements and with the environment
Summary
Modern technological development is fueled by simultaneous advances in software, data science and artificial intelligence (AI), communications, computation, sensors, actuators, materials, and their combinations such as 3D printing, batteries and augmented reality. For systems that “use computations and communication deeply embedded in and interacting with physical processes to add new capabilities to physical systems” [3] In this context, the word cyber alternatively refers to the dictionary definition of “relating to, or involving computers or computer networks” [4] or more general feedback systems as in the field of cybernetics pioneered by Wiener [5]. The full potential can only be obtained when new engineering methodologies are in place to ensure future CPS are sufficiently safe, secure, available and cost-efficient In addressing these questions, our paper draws upon recent investigations of CPS complexity [6,10,11].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
