The design of cyber-physical systems brings together all the digital science techniques that enable machines to acquire the ability to perceive, decide and act, in order to ensure that tasks are carried out autonomously and ro- bustly in relation to a changing physical environment. A cyber-physical sys- tem is generally made up of sensors and actuators that enable interaction with the physical world, as well as digital hardware (electronic chips, micro- controllers, etc.) and software that coordinates the whole. The term ‘robot’ is usually associated with cyber-physical systems that move or perform movements. However, the fundamental principles and methodologies underlying robotic systems can be found in a wider catego- ry of machines, interacting with physical phenomena other than movement (e.g. electrical or thermal installations, etc.). At CRIStAL, the ‘Robotics and Cyber-physical Systems’ cross-cutting theme brings together activities on subjects related to automation, robotics and embedded systems, illustrated in particular by the PRETIL platform.