PROtEUS: An integrated system for process execution in cyber-physical systems

Abstract

Cyber-physical systems (CPS) are networks of a large number and variety of components. Sensors, actuators and software create a closed feedback loop between the physical and the cyber world. Current process execution systems mostly focus on web-based workflow applications and are not directly compatible with CPS environments. Especially the processing of low-level sensor events as well as the integration of heterogeneous components–including the users–as process resources are limited in current workflow systems. In this work, we propose PROtEUS: an integrated system for process execution in cyber-physical systems. PROtEUS is able to bridge the gap between hardware-related processes and human-centered workflows. It enables the integration of sensor data from various sources into model-based processes, the flexible access to heterogeneous resources, as well as user interactions in processes. We demonstrate the feasibility of our approach for process execution within data-centric and event-driven CPS in a Smart Home case study.