Internet of Things and Cyber Physical Systems explained
Join the I4MS Community to read more articles like this
Today we often hear the term Internet of Things (IoT), as it has sneaked into almost every aspects of our everyday lives – personal as well as corporate. However, the closely connected technology Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) often creates vacant stares revealing great puzzlement.
This article seeks to provide you with an overview of what the technological terms embodies, and what to do if your company should consider making use of IoT and CPS.
What is it?
In short, Cyber Physical Systems is a system that integrates computing elements with physical components and processes. Sensors and actuators are monitoring (real-time) the environment in the physical elements and provides the computer with data and thereby controlling the physical system, which enables the system or workers intelligently to take more accurate actions based on the data. In relation to the field of production management it is also referred to as Cyber Physical Production Systems (CPPS). Where CPS has roots in control, computer science, real-time systems, and sensor networks, IoT has roots in communication networks and wireless communication.
Internet of Things is a technology enabling the inter-connection of all types of devices through the internet to exchange data, optimize processes, monitor devices in order to generate benefits for the industry, the economy, and the end user. It is composed of a network of sensors, actuators, and devices, forming new systems and services. Manufacturing companies have expanded their use of IoT; hence given rise to the term Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
Both IoT/IIoT and CPS/CPPS have physical as well as cyber aspect. These may also be referred to as smart systems. IoT emphasizes on connectivity while CPS emphasizes on embedded part. Connected CPSs are thus called Internet of Things (IoT). Therefore, CPS forms the first level of vertical digital integration and IoT forms the second level. Due to the development of the technologies, new words are constantly emerging like for instance Smart Factory, Future Factory, Smart Industry etc. All in all, both IoT and CPS help enhance manufacturing and industrial processes.
Ongoing advances in science and engineering improve the link between computational and physical elements by means of intelligent mechanisms, increasing the adaptability, autonomy, efficiency, functionality, reliability, safety, and usability of IoT and CPS systems. Thus, the technology fields continue to develop.
Inspirational videos and sites about IIoT
If you still lack an overview of how IoT works or you are not yet convinced that implementing IoT can have positive effects, the vice president of the American it-company OPTO 22, Benson Hougland, in this TED Talk explains how IoT works and why you should care: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AlcRoqS65E). If you got time, in this recorded webinar Professor Duncan McFarlane, Institute for Manufacturing at the University of Cambridge, explains what, why, how and where around Industrial IoT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pj8ApxsymB4. Or you can dive into the subject on this website: www.iotforall.com. https://www.iotforall.com/
How to get started?
If you want to learn more about the opportunities the technologies IoT and CPS or you desire to incorporate IoT or CPS in your company there are several Digital Innovation Hubs (DIH), which can help you create the overview and get started. The DIHs are located all over Europe and have different arrangements you can engage with. Find the one located near you in this map: https://i4ms.eu/dihs/map.
Join the I4MS Community to read more articles like this one, where you will also find:
– Information about Open calls and funding opportunities for SMEs and mid-caps;
– Access to more than 1000 members of the Industry 4.0 ecosystem;
– Inspiration from other members on the use of I4MS technologies and its benefits;
– News and event about emerging technologies applied to manufacturing.
