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

Application development for the cyber-physical systems (CPS) domain is considered a quite complex procedure, since it not only requires a high level of expertise but also deep knowledge of heterogeneous domains. On the other hand, modern low-code solutions and DSLs are developed to offload domain co...

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Main Authors: Konstantinos Panayiotou, Emmanouil Tsardoulias, Andreas L. Symeonidis
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Sensors
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/13/3951
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author Konstantinos Panayiotou
Emmanouil Tsardoulias
Andreas L. Symeonidis
author_facet Konstantinos Panayiotou
Emmanouil Tsardoulias
Andreas L. Symeonidis
author_sort Konstantinos Panayiotou
collection DOAJ
description Application development for the cyber-physical systems (CPS) domain is considered a quite complex procedure, since it not only requires a high level of expertise but also deep knowledge of heterogeneous domains. On the other hand, modern low-code solutions and DSLs are developed to offload domain complexity by developing models at a higher level of abstraction. In this work we propose an approach based on multiple high-level domain-specific languages (DSLs) as the vehicle to alleviate the developers from the intricacies of the CPS domain, enabling them to easily design and develop different layers (e.g., device, system or application layers) and aspects (e.g., automation processes, observation or monitoring dashboards) of a CPS. The materialized outcome of our approach is the LocSys platform, which allows the integration of DSLs, the development and management of models, and the development of pipelines of transformations between DSL models in a uniform platform, covering different aspects of complex domains. The efficacy of this approach was evaluated during a workshop that included more than 80 participants, with varying levels of expertise and experience in the field. The workshop documented the usability and acceptance of the study using SUS measurements. Preliminary findings suggest that the multi-DSL approach is highly usable (average SUS score 80.65, A− grade) and has been well received by non-domain experts. These results are promising, as they indicate that the LocSys platform can be successfully implemented to build smart environments with embedded automation processes and monitoring dashboards.
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spelling doaj-art-cb31618798d4498681682995ee3fe3422025-08-20T03:17:08ZengMDPI AGSensors1424-82202025-06-012513395110.3390/s25133951LocSys: A Low-Code Paradigm for the Development of Cyber-Physical ApplicationsKonstantinos Panayiotou0Emmanouil Tsardoulias1Andreas L. Symeonidis2Faculty of Enginnering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, GreeceFaculty of Enginnering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, GreeceFaculty of Enginnering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, GreeceApplication development for the cyber-physical systems (CPS) domain is considered a quite complex procedure, since it not only requires a high level of expertise but also deep knowledge of heterogeneous domains. On the other hand, modern low-code solutions and DSLs are developed to offload domain complexity by developing models at a higher level of abstraction. In this work we propose an approach based on multiple high-level domain-specific languages (DSLs) as the vehicle to alleviate the developers from the intricacies of the CPS domain, enabling them to easily design and develop different layers (e.g., device, system or application layers) and aspects (e.g., automation processes, observation or monitoring dashboards) of a CPS. The materialized outcome of our approach is the LocSys platform, which allows the integration of DSLs, the development and management of models, and the development of pipelines of transformations between DSL models in a uniform platform, covering different aspects of complex domains. The efficacy of this approach was evaluated during a workshop that included more than 80 participants, with varying levels of expertise and experience in the field. The workshop documented the usability and acceptance of the study using SUS measurements. Preliminary findings suggest that the multi-DSL approach is highly usable (average SUS score 80.65, A− grade) and has been well received by non-domain experts. These results are promising, as they indicate that the LocSys platform can be successfully implemented to build smart environments with embedded automation processes and monitoring dashboards.https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/13/3951smart environmentscyber-physical systemsmodel-driven developmentdomain-specific languageslow-code development
spellingShingle Konstantinos Panayiotou
Emmanouil Tsardoulias
Andreas L. Symeonidis
LocSys: A Low-Code Paradigm for the Development of Cyber-Physical Applications
Sensors
smart environments
cyber-physical systems
model-driven development
domain-specific languages
low-code development
title LocSys: A Low-Code Paradigm for the Development of Cyber-Physical Applications
title_full LocSys: A Low-Code Paradigm for the Development of Cyber-Physical Applications
title_fullStr LocSys: A Low-Code Paradigm for the Development of Cyber-Physical Applications
title_full_unstemmed LocSys: A Low-Code Paradigm for the Development of Cyber-Physical Applications
title_short LocSys: A Low-Code Paradigm for the Development of Cyber-Physical Applications
title_sort locsys a low code paradigm for the development of cyber physical applications
topic smart environments
cyber-physical systems
model-driven development
domain-specific languages
low-code development
url https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/13/3951
work_keys_str_mv AT konstantinospanayiotou locsysalowcodeparadigmforthedevelopmentofcyberphysicalapplications
AT emmanouiltsardoulias locsysalowcodeparadigmforthedevelopmentofcyberphysicalapplications
AT andreaslsymeonidis locsysalowcodeparadigmforthedevelopmentofcyberphysicalapplications