Autonomous systems have evolved from a special discipline of computer science to an industrial necessity. Billions of networked information technology components, which perform complex tasks together via open and adaptive networks, exceed the available engineering capacities and require the self-organization of information technology systems. At the same time, a broad trend towards the automation of applications and services can be observed (Internet of Things, Cyberphysical Systems, Industry 4.0, Mobility, Smart Technologies/Systems, EHealth).
Both trends are closely linked and will increasingly shape information technology and control engineering, from communication technology to hardware and software systems to sensor networks and autonomous vehicles, aircraft, spacecrafts and robots.