Recent Cyber-Physical-System developments and their safety & security management risk factors

Abstract

Introduction: Recent developments in a wide variety of cyber-physical system (CPS)
designs have resulted in many safety and security concerns. These are caused by increasing
complexity, connectivity to the outside world, and a variety of component types, all contributing to
increased system vulnerability. Simultaneously, the use of digital models, big data analytics, remote
computing, online services, and machine learning extends manufacturing systems far beyond their
physical and visible boundaries.
Focusing on industry and healthcare settings, this study explores the challenges faced by safety and
security management originating from these developments.
Method: The scoping review method was used to gather literature on safety and security concerns.
These are grouped and linked to the CPS components. Subsequently, their impact is reviewed from
the perspective of safety and security management systems.
Results: The findings indicate that safety and security management become entangled, many new
risks need to be considered, and the availability of online digital real-time system components and
employee skills are critical factors. Some of the sensors and safety metrics software must now be
classified as safety-critical because robots and people have started to share the same workspace. The
rapid developments and many unresolved issues on design, ethics, data and software quality, external
supervision, standards and guidance, legal frameworks, and online system components abroad
urgently require attention.
In the discussion, several recommendations are made regarding how safety and security management
can address these challenges.
Conclusions: While robots and people increasingly mingle on shop floors and in care situations, safety
management is lagging behind current CPS developments. New critical safety aspects require the
attention of safety and security management.
Practical applications: These findings in safety and security management systems will contribute to
avoiding harm to people and the environment in companies operating CPS.

One sentence summary: This study presents a structured way to deal with safety management of
Cyber-Physical-Systems.