Abstract:In response to the new patterns and scenarios of future human-cyber-physical ternary ubiquitous computing, a new kind of operating system named Ubiquitous Operating System (UOS) is emerging and under exploration for further development. The human-cyberphysical ternary ubiquitous computing has many new features, such as open and dynamic environment, diverse requirements, and complex application scenarios. New ubiquitous applications pose special demands on ubiquitous sensing and connection, lightweight computing and artificial intelligence, dynamic adaptation, feedback and control, natural human-computer-interaction, etc. To support these new requirements, a software definition mechanism is in need to flexibly control hardware, data resources, platforms, and applications. This article briefly reviews the history of operating system development, summarizes operating systems' law of 20 years, and deems that the new era of ubiquitous humancyber-physical ternary computing has come and created a blue ocean of operating system development. The article analyzes the ubiquitous computing paradigm and application requirements, defines and explains the concepts of ubiquitous operating system, and discusses the technical challenges faced and opportunities for innovation. Finally, the article shares some insights and thoughts about the development of operating systems in China.