cyberphysical

Cyberphysical systems, or CPS, are engineered systems in which computational elements and physical processes are tightly integrated through sensing, computation, and actuation. The defining feature is a closed-loop interaction where data about the physical world is collected, analyzed, and acted upon in real time to influence the physical processes themselves. This integration aims to improve performance, safety, efficiency, and resilience across applications.

Architecture typically includes a physical layer with sensors and actuators, a cyber layer with processors, software, and communications, and a control layer that implements algorithms and decision logic. Information flows from sensors to processors, decisions are made, and control signals are sent back to actuators. The computation may happen at the edge, in the cloud, or in hybrid configurations. Digital twins, numerical models, and simulation are commonly used for design, testing, operation, and optimization.

Applications span many sectors. In transportation, CPS enable autonomous vehicles and intelligent traffic management. In energy, they underpin smart grids and demand-response. In manufacturing, they support Industry 4.0 automation and adaptive production. In healthcare, medical devices and remote monitoring integrate with clinical workflows. CPS also appear in smart cities, agriculture, and aerospace, where reliable real-time control and monitoring are essential.

Key challenges include ensuring safety and security given direct physical impact, achieving dependable real-time performance, managing heterogeneity and interoperability, and maintaining privacy and resilience against failures or attacks. Research areas cover dependable computing, formal verification, secure communication, and system-wide lifecycle management. Standards and regulations provide sector-specific guidance for safety, security, and interoperability.