I will first introduce the new concept of cyber-physical systems (CPSes), especially differentiating CPSes from other well-known systems such as embedded (real-time) systems, sensor networks, etc. I will then discuss how to characterize CPSes, and present research challenges and possible approaches. Several examples will also be used to illustrate the definition and issues of CPSes.

If time allows, I will also discuss one of our current projects, large-scale battery management for electric vehicles like GM Volt.

Kang G. Shin is the Kevin and Nancy O'Connor Professor of Computer Science and Founding Director of the Real-Time Computing Laboratory in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. His current research focuses on QoS-sensitive networking and computing as well as on embedded real-time OS, middleware and applications, all with emphasis on timeliness and dependability. He has supervised the completion of 63 PhD theses, and authored/coauthored about 700 technical papers (more than 250 of which are in archival journals) and numerous book chapters in the areas of distributed real-time computing and control, computer networking, fault-tolerant computing, and intelligent manufacturing. He has co-authored (jointly with C.M. Krishna) a textbook "Real-Time Systems," McGraw Hill, 1997.