What are Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS)?
Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) are intelligent systems that integrate the physical and digital worlds through:
- Sensors - collect data from the environment
- Computing systems - analyze information
- Software - enable decision-making
- Communication networks - facilitate data transfer
- Actuators - perform necessary actions
CPS enables machines to sense, analyze, decide, and respond to real-time conditions through a continuous feedback loop.
Examples of CPS Applications
- Autonomous Vehicles: Driverless cars use sensors and AI-based systems to navigate roads with minimal human intervention
- Smart Manufacturing: Smart factories use CPS for automated monitoring, optimization and Industry 4.0 applications
- Healthcare: Intelligent medical devices continuously monitor patients and support timely medical interventions
- Smart Buildings: Automated systems regulate lighting, temperature, and energy use based on real-time conditions
National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS)
Key Features
- Implementing Agency: Department of Science and Technology (DST)
- Cabinet Approval: 2018
- Outlay: ₹3,660 crore for nine years
- Objective: Develop indigenous CPS capabilities and create a national framework for advancing CPS research, innovation, and applications
Innovation Ecosystem
The mission supports the complete innovation cycle:
- Research and Development (R&D)
- Translational research
- Product development
- Start-up incubation
Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs)
- 25 Hubs established as Section 8 companies in leading academic institutions
- Focus areas: Technology development, human resource development, innovation & start-up support, international collaborations
- Bridging gap between research and real-world applications
Technology Translation Research Parks (TTRPs)
Four high-performing TIHs selected in 2025:
- IIT Kanpur: Cybersecurity
- IISc Bengaluru: Robotics and AI Systems
- IIT (ISM) Dhanbad: Mining Technologies
- IIT Indore: Digital Healthcare
Achievements of NM-ICPS (as of August 2026)
| Metric | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Technologies Enabled | 1,146 |
| Technology Products | 1,329 |
| Start-ups Supported | 1,136 |
| Jobs Generated | 24,000+ |
| International Collaborations | 200 |
CHANAKYA Fellowship Programme
Supports undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD, and postdoctoral researchers working on CPS challenges.
BharatGen Initiative
BharatGen is developing sovereign AI capabilities tailored to Indian languages and contexts, led by IIT Bombay.
AI Models Developed
- Param-2: Foundation model with 17 billion parameters supporting all 22 Scheduled Indian languages
- Shrutam: Speech-to-text model supporting 12 Indian languages
- Sooktam: Text-to-speech model supporting 12 Indian languages
- Patram: Enables multilingual access to complex Indian documents through DocBodh framework
Sector-Specific AI Models
- Ayur Param: Ayurveda domain
- Agri Param: Agriculture domain
- Legal Param: Indian legal sector
Significance for India
CPS represents the next phase of technological evolution by integrating digital intelligence with physical infrastructure. Through NM-ICPS, India is building:
- Future-ready capabilities in AI, robotics, cybersecurity
- Self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) technology ecosystem
- Innovation-led growth trajectory
- Foundation for a technology-driven Viksit Bharat by 2047