Verification and Validation of Decentralized, Self-Organizing Cyber-Physical Production Systems: A Blueprint Process for Testing Cyber-Physical Production Systems with Self-Properties

Abstract

Decentralized, self-organizing Cyber-Physical Production Systems form the technological base for building future Smart factories. They are able to orchestrate and execute the manufacturing and production processes by providing at the same time continuous, automatic production optimization, higher production resilience and adequate reaction at runtime of the evolving customer and production needs. In order to achieve these benefits, some impediments must be taken into account. The verification and validation of decentralized, self-organizing Cyber-Physical Production Systems is one of them. In this paper we would like to introduce a blueprint process for testing such systems. This leads to a paradigm shift in testing domain. Testing of systems with self-* properties is no longer performed solely before system delivery and operation start, but continues during the operation itself. To achieve this, testability from day one is required.