CPS are distributed smart systems — microsystems or MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) — including electronic, mechanical and possibly also optical or fluidic components. They also usually include sensing, information processing and also o en actuating functions. They are embedded in communication networks, this is also how CPS relate to the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm.
They are able to perform processes in perception, cognition, and action which are said to become increasingly closer to human performance. The ‘intelligent’ capacities of CPS usually emerge from — more or less fl exible — cooperation of distributed systems. In this regard, CPS are also related to the concepts of Pervasive Computing and Ambient Intelligence. There are broad potential domains for the application of CPS, including everyday life and housing, transportation and logistics, and health care.
Industry 4.0 is concerned with the implementation of CPS in industrial production. Beyond CPS themselves, aspects of HumanMachine-Interaction — or, eventually, even Human-Machine-Cooperation — new forms of industrial organisation, and more socio-economic phenomena need also to be taken into consideration for a successful implementation of Industry 4.0.