LocSys: A Low-Code Paradigm for the Development of Cyber-Physical Applications.

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Software Engineering
• Cyber-Physical Systems

Background:

• Application development for cyber-physical systems (CPS) is challenging due to high expertise and domain knowledge requirements.
• Low-code solutions and domain-specific languages (DSLs) aim to reduce complexity by enabling higher abstraction levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and evaluate a multi-domain-specific language (DSL) approach for simplifying the development of cyber-physical systems (CPS).
• To introduce the LocSys platform, facilitating the integration and management of multiple DSLs for CPS design and development.

Main Methods:

• Developed a multi-DSL approach integrated into the LocSys platform for managing models and transformation pipelines.
• Conducted a workshop with over 80 participants of varying expertise to evaluate the approach's usability and acceptance.
• Utilized System Usability Scale (SUS) measurements to quantify usability and acceptance.

Main Results:

• The multi-DSL approach achieved a high average SUS score of 80.65, indicating excellent usability (A- grade).
• The LocSys platform and the multi-DSL approach were well-received, particularly by participants without prior domain expertise.
• Preliminary findings demonstrate the approach's potential for building smart environments with integrated automation and monitoring.

Conclusions:

• The proposed multi-DSL approach effectively alleviates the complexities of CPS development.
• The LocSys platform offers a viable solution for integrating DSLs and managing CPS development aspects.
• The approach shows significant promise for enabling broader adoption of CPS development technologies.