I was recently interviewed by the European Commission’s Horizon Magazine about my work on sustainable cyber-physical systems (CPS). As the head of the Cyber-Physical Systems Lab at Uppsala University, I’ve been leading research that challenges the traditional focus on productivity in machine systems and instead explores how we can make them more sustainable and socially responsible.
Through our EU-funded Sustainable-CPS project, we’ve developed a novel framework that approaches CPS development through three critical lenses: a systems mindset, a design mindset, and a futuristic mindset. This integrated approach helps us avoid tunnel vision and better understand how different aspects of sustainability interconnect.
One of my core beliefs is that sustainability isn’t just about environmental impact – it encompasses economic and social dimensions as well. When designing cyber-physical systems, we need to look beyond the immediate system to consider all adjacent systems and their interactions. This holistic view is crucial for developing truly sustainable solutions.
I’m particularly proud that this work contributes to Europe’s Digital Decade policy, which aims to create a human-centered, sustainable digital future. As we continue to see the integration of machines and computers in our daily lives – from autonomous vehicles to smart cities – it’s more important than ever to ensure these technologies are developed with sustainability at their core.
The recognition of this work, including being selected as one of the 50 Women in Robotics You Need to Know About in 2023, reinforces the importance of bringing diverse perspectives to technological innovation. As we move forward, I remain committed to reshaping how we think about and implement cyber-physical systems for a more sustainable future.
This research was funded by the EU’s Framework Programme through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA).
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