Applications of Cyber-Physical Systems is a peer-reviewed scientific journal that publishes articles that address real world problems with solutions that are based on a combination of the cyber and physical aspects. These systems integrate computing, communication and control capabilities with physical procedures and elements. They enable the automation of processes, the reduction of waste, and enhanced safety through monitoring, control, and augmentation. Examples include industrial process systems, robotics systems, smart grids and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Cyber-physical systems are increasingly being used across a wide range of industries due to their promise of improved efficiency and reliability, reduced costs and better safety. However, the rapid expansion of these systems has created a number of significant challenges. These challenges can be divided into three categories:

The key challenge is ensuring the security of CPS. Attacks on these systems can have both cyber and physical consequences. Cyber attacks on the information system or network can compromise the functionality of a CPS while physical attacks can cause physical malfunctions. Therefore, security needs to be a critical consideration in every stage of a CPS's development and operation.

Another challenge is that of fault tolerance. As CPS are often real-time systems, the ability to tolerate failures of individual components must be high. This is especially important in systems with time-critical functions, such as aircraft, chemical plants, automobiles and power grids. This requires the use of reliable, fault-tolerant algorithms that can respond within a finite amount of time to stimuli.

Finally, there is a challenge in Applications of Cyber-Physical Systems the verification and validation of CPS. This includes model-based testing, simulation and other verification techniques. It is essential to verify that the behavior of a CPS matches its model. However, the difficulty is that the complexity of CPSs goes beyond the typical verification approaches for computer systems. They involve both discrete and continuous interactions that are captured by hybrid system models. Thus, the correctness of a CPS cannot be verified simply by examining the implementation of its software or hardware.

These challenges have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has pushed organizations to adopt IR4 technologies even before they are ready. This has created additional pressure to deliver on the promise of improved productivity and profitability. The key to success is a clear roadmap, with milestones that can be achieved in short timeframes. Successful prototype implementations can then inspire confidence in the technology and motivate SMEs to invest the time and resources needed to achieve true digital transformation. This will help SMEs overcome the barriers of technology adoption and become more agile and competitive in the marketplace. This will also increase the likelihood of CPSs delivering on the Fourth Industrial Revolution's (IR4) potential to reduce cost, improve quality, and enable new capabilities in a timely manner.