Dear Colleagues,

In general, a commonly accepted definition of cyber-physical systems (CPSs) refers to systems where software and hardware components are seamlessly integrated toward performing well-defined tasks.

CPSs are one of the core technologies of Industry 4.0. The integration of CPSs is essential in Industry 4.0 functioning. With CPSs, machines are able to communicate with each other, and decentralized control systems are able to optimize production. The integration of CPSs is leading to complexities emerging from the interactions among cyber systems and the uncertain dynamic behavior of physical systems. In recent years, CPSs have become increasingly interconnected and more deeply intertwined as they interact with each other in a myriad of ways. The integration of constituent systems in CPSs is a challenge. A suitable systems theory concerning the interconnection and interactions of cyber and physical systems as a whole is needed, and larger contexts need to be made explicit.

CPSs are increasingly interconnected with a meta-system such as the Industry 4.0 ecological environment, and their behavior depends on interactions with other systems components. Numerous interactions of different characteristics may be involved, such as interactions within a system or a subsystem, interactions between systems and/or subsystems, and interactions between a system and its environment. Such interrelated subsystems are capable of dynamic change. Interactions can occur between interactions as well, and some interactions only emerge when the system as a whole is considered. Industry 4.0 technologies are currently amplifying such interactions. If Industry 4.0 is to be employed successfully, these interactions must be understood and the methods for designing and implementing Industry 4.0 technologies must account for such interactions. Currently, these complex interactions are not being heavily investigated. One of the challenges we face is making use of cutting-edge ICT as well as systems science and engineering techniques to understand such complex interactions.

This Special Issue will focus on (but is not limited to) the following topics:

- New computing architecture for CPSs in industrial IoT;

- New communication mechanisms for CPSs in industrial IoT;

- Advanced AI/ML models for CPSs in industrial IoT;

- Advanced networking among CPSs for industrial IoT;

- Applications of CPSs in industrial IoT.

Prof. Dr. Li Da Xu
Dr. Shancang Li
Guest Editors

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• cyber-physical systems (CPSs)
• IoT
• industrial IoT