Distribution of control tasks to smart devices in industrial control systems: a case study

Abstract

Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) and Internet of Things (IoT) open the way for new generation of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) characterized by high flexibility, modularity and reconfigurability necessary within Industry 4.0. Inevitable shift from centralized to distributed control systems is underway, but the changes are not as rapid as expected. One of the limiting factors is the lack of engineering techniques for distributed control systems design, simulation and verification. In this paper we analyze recently proposed techniques for distributed control systems development using an example of a simple transport system consisting of two CPS – smart conveyor belt and smart cylinder. In particular we consider the methods based on Control Interpreted Petri Nets (CIPN), Supervisory Control Theory (SCT) and IEC 61499 standard.