Reprogramming our physical world
In the same way the internet transformed how we interact with information, cyber-physical systems (CPS) are transforming the way we interact with and control the physical world around us. Many objects in our everyday life are controlled by computers. From autonomous cars to manufacturing machines and even musical instruments, embedded systems integrate sensing, computation, control, and networking into physical objects and infrastructure connecting them to the internet and each other to collectively perform a useful function. These networks function as one to control a physical process responding to feedback and adapting to new conditions in real-time.Ìý
The advances of cyber-physical systems have the potential to reshape our world with more responsive, precise, reliable, and efficient systems, enabling a revolution of ‘smart’ devices and systems that improve our quality of life. Areas like healthcare, wireless sensor networks, traffic flow management, and electric power generation and delivery will benefit from enhanced services and improved operational efficiencies.ÌýÌý
Associated schools, institutes & centres
Impact
While harnessing cyber-physical systems could have enormous societal impact and economic benefit in many traditional industries, unique challenges are also presented as unexpected and abnormal systems behaviour can lead to disruptions which can have major impacts on society.Ìý
Complex systems are difficult to build and manage and the extensive use of information and communication technologies in cyber-physical systems make them vulnerable to cyber attack. If the interface between complex systems componentsÌýbreaks down, the compromise can lead to a disruption ranging from small service interruptions to huge impacts on critical infrastructure such as transport or medical systems which could jeopardise physical safety and cause huge financial loss. ÌýÌý
Our research is developing innovative solutions and technological approaches to cyber-physical system design, management, and control which can be implemented in realistic and real cyber-physical systems environments to address cyber-physical systems’s scalability, heterogeneity, security, timely intrusion detection, and complexity. This not only helps to mitigate cyber attacks but also provides a framework to ensure cyber-physical systems are resilient against potential threats. Ìý
Research in cyber-physical systems is closely linked with research intoÌýResilient Infrastructure,ÌýComplex Systems Security, andÌýIntelligent Security.
Competitive advantage
Our researchers have diverse skills and interdisciplinary knowledge in cybersecurity, electrical, software, and systems engineering, and quality and process improvement. Over the years we have established an international research reputation as leaders in:Ìý
- complex systems and CPSÌý
- Internet of Things (IoT)Ìý
- critical infrastructure and SCADA systems protectionÌý
- Industrial IoT (IIoT) cybersecurity.
The key aspects of our research working with leading industry, state, and federal departments include:Ìý
- design, detection, and cyber attack tolerant control of smart gridsÌý
- experimental demonstration of cyber-physical resilience in smart gridsÌý
- cyber attack tolerant dynamic control for distributed energy resourcesÌý
- development of intelligent and autonomous cyber-physical anomaly detection models for CPSÌý
- leading AI-based CPS’ data analysis, privacy preservation and security Ìý
- development of SCADA systems cybersecurity and intrusion detection Ìý
- advanced threat anomaly detection and resilience of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)Ìý
- resilience of distributed sensor networks against biasing interference.Ìý
Successful applications
- Risk management-based framework for developing intelligent systems for natural disastersÌý
- Software assurance forÌýcyberworthinessÌý
- A cyber-physical approach to improve mission assurance for remotely operated aerial systems and aircraft payloadsÌý
- Protection of data privacy based artificial intelligence in cyber-physical systemsÌý
- Secure and distributed orchestration micro-algorithms as services at the edgeÌý
- A collaborative host-network anomaly detection framework for IoT.
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Partners
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- Zepllin Bend (Zepben) Ìý
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- Koroniotis N, Moustafa N, Sitnikova E, 2020,, Future Generation Computer Systems. Ìý
- Ismail S, Sitnikova E, Slay J, 2020,ÌýÌýCyber Warfare and Terrorism: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications, IGI Global, pp 446-464.Ìý
- Koroniotis N, Moustafa N, Sitnikova E, Turnbull B, 2019ÌýÌýFuture Generation Computer Systems 100, 779-796 Ìý
- Al-Hawawreh M, Den Hartog F, Sitnikova E, 2019ÌýÌýIEEE Internet of Things Journal [ IF 5.9] Ìý
- Keshk M, Sitnikova E., Moustafa N., Hu J., Khali I., 2019; IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Computing. Ìý
- Hassan M,Ìý,Ìý,ÌýÌýÌý2019Ìý, Wireless Networks, pp. 1-9.Ìý
- Al Hawawreh M, Sitnikova E., 2019, Leveraging Deep Learning Models for Ransomware Detection in the Industrial Internet of Things Environment', MilCIS, ÌýIEEE Stream, Nov 2019 Ìý
- Rahman, M. A., Rana, M. S., & Pota, H. R. (2020).Ìý, Automation and Electrical Systems, 31(2), 412-421. Ìý
- Macana, C. A., Abdou, A. F., Pota, H. R., Guerrero, J. M., & Vasquez, J. C. (2018).ÌýÌýInventions, 3(3). DOI:10.3390/inventions3030066Ìý
- V. Ugrinovskii,IEEE Transactions on Control of Network Systems, 7(1):458-470, 2020.Ìý
Research projects
- Risk management-based framework for developing intelligent systems for natural disastersÌý
- Software assurance forÌýcyberworthinessÌý
- Protection of data privacy based artificial intelligence in cyber-physical systemsÌý
- Secure and distributed orchestration micro-algorithms as services at the edgeÌý
- Towards developing critical system resilience metrics for industrial IoT (IIoT) with a special focus on privacy data preservation for SCADA systemsÌý
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Culture
We are actively involved in several community engagement activities that promote participation in cyber-physical systems research:Ìý
- Spitfire Memorial Defence Fellowship Award - The Fellowship encourages the development of advanced knowledge and expertise which will aid in the defence of Australia and is awarded to contributors to the future defence of Australia.Ìý
- Ìý– creates, enables, and deploys innovative research and education linkages between UNSW, Arizona State University (ASU) US and Kings’ College UK that contribute to a sustainable future
- Ìý- Open seminar presentation in September 2020Ìý
- US Air Force Research Office - Window on Science (WOS) collaboration with US Air Force cybersecurity research centres Ìý
- Board member of theÌý, Australian affiliationÌý
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Study with us
Master level courses which explore the concepts of this research are:Ìý
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The course syllabus includes elements of CPS design, vulnerability assessment, and addressing challenges. Students can participate in Blue/Red team exercises to uncover cybersecurity weaknesses in cyber-physical systems and develop defensive mechanisms.Ìý Ìý
