Several authors and organisations have over the last 40 years suggested various ways to describe different levels of automation. In this paper we give an introduction to some of the most relevant models and present some of the challenges faced when using them. Furthermore, we suggest a new definitio...

Cooperative Cyber-Physical Systems (Co-CPSs) can be enabled using wireless communication technologies, which in principle should address reliability and safety challenges. Safety for Co-CPS enabled by wireless communication technologies is a crucial aspect and requires new dedicated design approache...

Wireless mesh networks have, in recent years, gained a strong foothold in the industry with a steady growing number of installations. Although wireless solutions are now “proven in use”, some of the challenges e.g. QoS which arise from this accelerated adoption have not fully been addressed. In this...

The eleven papers in this special section focus on industrial communication systems and technologies (ICS). Major requirements of the ICS are real-time support and dependability under all considered load and fault assumptions. The ICS may need to meet stringent deadlines as a basis for the stability...