Hierarchical Testing with Rabbit Optimization for Industrial Cyber-Physical Systems

Preprint accepted by IEEE Transactions on Industrial Cyber-Physical Systems. T o appear in TICPS on IEEE Explore. Abstract --This paper presents HERO (Hierarchical T esting with Rabbit Optimization), a novel black-box adversarial testing framework for evaluating the robustness of deep learning-based Prognostics and Health Management systems in Industrial Cyber-Physical Systems. Leveraging Artificial Rabbit Optimization, HERO generates physically constrained adversarial examples that align with real-world data distributions via global and local perspective. Its generalizability ensures applicability across diverse ICPS scenarios. This study specifically focuses on the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell system, chosen for its highly dynamic operational conditions, complex degradation mechanisms, and increasing integration into ICPS as a sustainable and efficient energy solution. Experimental results highlight HERO's ability to uncover vulnerabilities in even state-of-the-art PHM models, underscoring the critical need for enhanced robustness in real-world applications. By addressing these challenges, HERO demonstrates its potential to advance more resilient PHM systems across a wide range of ICPS domains. With the rapid development of net zero, there is a need for advanced predictive models and system integration plays a crucial role in the field of renewable energy technologies, particularly in the deployment and management of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC). Regarded as an integral part of future energy conversion technologies, PEMFC boast high energy conversion efficiency, low operating temperature, low emissions, and rapid startup capabilities [1].