Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) are complex, interconnected systems that integrate physical
components with computational elements and networked communication. These systems combine
the physical world with digital technologies, enabling them to sense, monitor, analyze, and interact
with their physical environment.
Cyber-physical systems (CPS) are systems that integrate physical and computer components, such
as hardware, software, sensors, actuators, networks, and computers, to operate a process or deliver a
function. CPS can interact with the natural environment and human-made objects and structures,
and use data and feedback from sensors and computers to monitor and control physical processes.
CPS are a category of embedded systems that use smart computational techniques.
The term CPS was first introduced in 2006 by Ellen Gill
CPS can be found in various domains, including transportation, manufacturing, healthcare, energy,
and smart cities. They are designed to improve efficiency, productivity, safety, and reliability in
these domains by leveraging advanced technologies such as sensors, actuators, embedded systems,
communication networks, and data analytics.
Characteristics of the Cyber Physical Systems
Cyber-Physical Systems are backed by two types of computing systems. These are:
1. Desktop servers, PCs, and Notebooks.
2. Embedded computing
These computing systems bring forth certain characteristics in Cyber-Physical Systems:
User friendly: All Cyber-Physical Systems are user-friendly and can be easily used by anyone in
any field, including engineering, manufacturing, transportation, and even health care.
Functionality: due to the link of Cyber-Physical Systems as a “System of Systems”, it gives it a
more robust functionality across various areas.
Network: Cyber-Physical Systems are built for communication and based on network cooperation.
Furthermore, Cyber-Physical Systems also make use of the latest network technology like cloud
solutions.
Intelligence: Cyber-Physical Systems are robust and intelligent in the implementation of embedded
network solutions. Furthermore, the adaptive nature of the system gives it the intelligent
characteristics as it develops more as time goes on.
Real-life Applications of Cyber-Physical Systems
Let us take a look at some real application of Cyber-Physical Systems, but it is worthy of note that
many systems working based on the CPS make use of wireless network sensors to monitor the
environment and send the information to a central node. Other CPS utilizes autonomous automotive
systems (AAS), distributed robotics, smart grid, and automatic pilot avionics.
Distributed Robotics
One application of CPS is seen in distributed robotics as shown by MIT using a distributed robot
gardening system. This involves a team of robots that tend a garden of tomato plants using a
combination of distributed sensing, manipulation, navigation, and wireless networking.
Manufacturing
In the manufacturing sector, Cyber-Physical Systems are mostly applied to self-monitoring of
production processes and operations. The manufacturing process is improved tremendously by the
information that is shared between machines, business systems, supply chains, suppliers, and
customers. This can be referred to as smart manufacturing. This provides better visibility control of
the supply chain, thereby enhancing better security and traceability of products.
Furthermore, the use of sensors in the manufacturing industry helps to predict when equipment
wears out and also diagnose faults in machines and equipment. Proper analysis of these data
improves the operational performance of equipment and reduces maintenance costs.
Water Distribution
The use of automation in water distribution systems has seen an increase in recent times. Thanks to
systems like the CPS. The water distribution systems consist of pipes, wells, pumps, tanks, and
reservoirs that deliver water to our homes. The systems make use of devices to monitor different
activities of the water distribution system. For instance, a sensor can be used to detect the level of
water overflow from a pressure pipe or a tank. Programmable control logic is also embedded into
the systems to automatically open valves.
Although this system makes water distribution more efficient, it has a drawback – hackers can get
access to information remotely and cause many damages. The solution to this is to make use of two
tools; an “Attack Model” and a “Toolbox”. The Attack Model lays out the different ways an attacker
might compromise the system while the toolbox runs MATLAB – which is common software in the
Engineering and computing sector – to gather the info from the attack model and runs on Epanet.
An Epanet is a standardized software that helps describe the flow of water through systems. The
Epanet works with the toolbox to track both the Physical status and the cyber status of the system.
This helps in detecting any external changes by any attacker or hacker.
Smart Greenhouses
When it comes to agriculture, Cyber-Physical Systems play a major role in improving productivity
and preventing starvation. The system focuses on adaptive parameters like temperature, amount of
light, irrigation, and humidity. These parameters are designed to respond to specific computer
programs to ensure better growth. The system also reports feedback continuously to the user to help
them know the condition of the greenhouse at all times. The feedback can be remotely managed
using network services. Furthermore, sensors are attached to the designs as station sensors for
temperature, soil moisture, light sensor, and humidity. Also, sensors are placed for the humidity and
temperature control whereby the sprinklers and fans can be controlled to either increase or decrease
the temperature.
The benefits of the Cyber-Physical system to the agricultural sector through smart greenhouses are
enormous. One such benefit is the reduction in cost, saving of farmer’s time, and effort. Also, it
provides a better environment for increased productivity.
Health Care
Cyber-Physical Systems are widely used in the medical sector for real-time monitoring and sensor
control of patient conditions. This helps in improving the treatment for the elderly and disabled,
thereby limiting the hospitalization of patients. This system is further improved by combining a
network closed loop with a human loop to help improve the workflow and the security of the
system.
Smart Buildings
Cyber-Physical Systems improves energy efficiency in buildings while reducing energy
consumption and greenhouse emission. The system is built to sense and detect humidity,
temperature, and other actuators like the water heater, HVAC, and fans.
Transportation
With Cyber-Physical Systems, cars can communicate with each other to share information like
traffic, location, and issues on the road to prevent accidents and improve safety. Another instance
under transportation is the use of ABS or Anti-skid braking system to prevent potential collision and
bring the car to a halt.
In conclusion, Cyber-Physical Systems are a “system of systems” that are intelligent enough to
combine software and hardware through connected networks. In other words, it merges the physical
world with the cyber world to enhance productivity in different fields, including Engineering,
healthcare, transportation, smart buildings, smart greenhouses, and many more.
The key characteristics of Cyber-Physical Systems include:
1. Integration of physical and computational elements: CPS merge physical components
(such as machines, sensors, and actuators) with computational elements (such as processors,
software, and algorithms). This integration allows the system to monitor and control
physical processes in real-time.
2. Connectivity and communication: CPS rely on networked communication systems to
exchange data and information between the physical and digital components. This enables
seamless interaction and coordination between different parts of the system.
3. Real-time capabilities: CPS often operate in real-time or near-real-time environments,
where timely and accurate responses are critical. The ability to sense and respond quickly to
changes in the physical environment is essential for their effective functioning.
4. Data-driven decision making: CPS generate and collect vast amounts of data from sensors
and other sources. This data is processed and analyzed to derive valuable insights and make
informed decisions. Machine learning and data analytics techniques play a crucial role in
extracting useful information from the collected data.
5. Dependability and reliability: CPS must be reliable, secure, and resilient to disruptions and
failures. They often operate in safety-critical or mission-critical applications, where any
system failure can have severe consequences. Therefore, ensuring the dependability and
robustness of CPS is of paramount importance.
Applications of Cyber-Physical Systems are diverse, ranging from autonomous vehicles and smart
grids to smart healthcare systems and industrial automation. CPS enable intelligent monitoring,
control, and optimization of physical processes, leading to enhanced efficiency, reduced costs,
improved safety, and better resource management.
However, the integration of physical and digital components also poses challenges related to
security, privacy, interoperability, and system complexity. Addressing these challenges requires
interdisciplinary collaboration among experts in fields such as computer science, engineering,
control systems, and cybersecurity.
In summary, Cyber-Physical Systems represent the convergence of physical processes, computing,
and communication technologies, resulting in a new generation of intelligent systems that can
monitor, control, and interact with the physical world. They hold great promise for transforming
various industries and domains, paving the way for a more interconnected and efficient future.
