Seamless validation of cyber-physical systems under real-time conditions by using a cyber-physical laboratory test field

Cyber-physical systems (CPS) form the basis for many future-oriented technologies such as autonomous driving or Industry 4.0. The development and, in particular, the validation of such systems under real-time conditions represent a major challenge despite extensive software tools. Nowadays, the latter can only be done by replicating the system as a model (with corresponding simplifications, which only inadequately reflect the emergent system behavior) or by testing it in the later operational environment (which leads to non-reproducible results and a high hazard potential). A tool for the investigation of the emergent system behavior under consideration of all real influences such as latencies and discretization is missing. The following paper presents the seamless validation of CPS under real-time conditions by using a cyber-physical laboratory Test Field as an approach for addressing the problem outlined above. This allows the CPS, scaled to laboratory size, to be examined under realistic conditions. Based on the recent state of knowledge, the current development and validation methodology for CPS as well as its tool support is analyzed. Based on identified gaps, a concept for the test field is elaborated. The design of the test field for different configurations is performed to fill the identified gaps. With the help of a complex, end-to-end case study – conflict-free trajectory planning and decentralized order management – both, the extended methodology and the basic functions of the test field, are to be validated.