RAS question
Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) refer to:
Correct answer: (B) Integration of computation, networking, and physical processes.
Cyber Physical Systems are the integration of computation, networking and physical processes, where embedded computers and networks monitor and control physical processes through feedback loops.
Explanation
Cyber Physical Systems are not just ordinary computer systems attached to machines; they are engineered systems in which computation, communication and control are tightly linked with physical components. The DST description says CPS bridge computing and communication systems with the physical world, and that their operations are monitored, coordinated, controlled and integrated by a computing and communication core. That matches option B: integration of computation, networking and physical processes. The feedback-loop idea is central because sensors and embedded computers observe a physical process, compute a response and influence the process again. The given examples, such as autonomous vehicles, smart grids, robotic surgery and industrial IoT, all depend on this cyber-physical coupling. India also launched a National Mission on Interdisciplinary CPS with Rs 3,660 crore.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Cybersecurity for factories may protect industrial systems, but CPS is the broader integration of computing, networking and physical processes, not a security-only idea.
- (C) Online gaming systems are primarily digital networked applications and do not, by themselves, describe the monitoring and control of physical processes.
- (D) Computer viruses affecting physical machines describe a cyber threat, whereas CPS refers to engineered systems whose physical operations are integrated with computation and communication.
Concept
This tests the Science and Technology syllabus theme of emerging technologies and their real-world applications. It recurs in RAS because CPS connects digital governance, infrastructure, industry and mission-mode technology policy.