Define cyber-physical systems within the context of Industry 4.0.

Cyber-physical systems (CPS) are an integral part of Industry 4.0, as they represent a convergence of physical and digital realms. Specifically, they encompass systems that integrate physical processes with computational capabilities, allowing for enhanced monitoring, control, and automation. This combination enables real-time data acquisition from the physical environment, analysis through computational processes, and the execution of decisions that can influence both areas.

The significance of cyber-physical systems lies in their ability to create interconnected networks that improve efficiency, flexibility, and responsiveness in manufacturing and other industrial operations. For example, in a smart factory, sensors might gather data from machinery (the physical component), while algorithms (the cyber component) analyze that data to optimize performance or predict maintenance needs. This integration allows for a seamless flow of information and actions across the systems, which is a cornerstone of Industry 4.0.

In contrast, systems focused solely on software platforms or only on human interaction lack the critical integration with physical processes that characterizes cyber-physical systems. Additionally, systems that are merely designed for data analytics do not incorporate the necessary interaction with the physical world, limiting their functionality in an Industry 4.0 context. Thus, option B accurately reflects the essence of cyber-physical systems,