Automation meets CPS

Cyber Physical Systems describe a trend towards more flexible cooperative distributed systems. The levels of the automation pyramid melt to a flattened system. This leads to new requirements regarding the engineering of automation systems as well as tools and algorithms for network and data analysis. At the same time it provides loose coupling with Internet/Web based technologies for interaction and information management. Proven concepts of middleware and distributed systems can fulfill these requirements. A workflow and application model are presented that allow the engineering, implementation and operation of a heterogeneous cyber physical system.