Cyberphysische

Cyber-physical, or cyberphysische in German usage, refers to the integration of computation, networking, and physical processes. In engineering and computer science, cyber-physical systems (CPS) are networks of embedded computers and physical components whose behavior is tightly coupled through feedback loops. The concept combines sensing, computation, and actuation to monitor and influence the real world in real time, often across distributed subsystems.

Key components of cyber-physical systems include sensors, actuators, embedded controllers, communication networks, and software that processes data and makes decisions. These systems operate with tight timing and reliability requirements, and may employ digital models or simulations such as digital twins to optimize performance. CPS are closely related to broader trends like the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0, where diverse devices and processes are connected and coordinated.

Applications of cyber-physical systems span many domains, including smart grids, autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, robotics, medical devices, and environmental monitoring. They enable advanced control, monitoring, and optimization of complex physical processes, but also raise challenges. Security, safety, and privacy concerns are paramount, as are reliability, interoperability across heterogeneous platforms, and real-time performance. Ongoing work in standards, certification, and life-cycle management aims to ensure safe, secure, and scalable integration of cyber-physical technologies into critical systems.