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Autonomous systems are increasingly discussed in the domain of industrial automation. However, there is no consensus in the literature about the definition of industrial autonomous systems, what characteristics do they possess and how to distinguish them from intelligent industrial automation systems. Another important aspect is the comparison between the degree of automation and autonomy. Addressing this confusion, this paper starts with an analysis of the historical development of the term autonomy. Based on the similarities in the definitions, that were identified in a literature review, a comprehensive definition of industrial autonomous systems is presented, and four main characteristics of an industrial autonomous system are derived. Consequently, the characteristics for the realization of an industrial autonomous system (1) systematic process execution, (2) adaptability, (3) self-governance and (4) self-containedness are described in detail. Another objective of this contribution is to assist the developers of industrial autonomous systems to take the above-mentioned characteristics into account. Furthermore, the developer is advised which abilities can be used to achieve the corresponding essential characteristics of industrial autonomous systems. To illustrate the characteristics and abilities of an industrial autonomous system, this paper gives a detailed description of three realized cases of application in industry.

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