Agent-based simulation framework for virtual prototyping of advanced livestock precision feeding systems

On-farm implementation of the concept of precision livestock farming requires the design and development of new, advanced and often complex equipment. This article proposes an agent-based simulation framework to meet the challenges of designing, testing and evaluating the performance of the new, automated precision feeding equipment for farms. In this context, an agent is a piece of software performing defined system functions such as exchanging information or requesting services to other agents via a high-level agent communication language. The proposed approach sees each main component of the actual precision feeding system represented by a virtual domain agent. The agents are then assembled within a multi-agent system that models the automatic precision feeding equipment as a whole. The operational capacity of the virtual prototype is achieved through communication and collaboration between the multiple agents that make up the system. The capacity for dynamic modification of parameters such as workload during the simulation process helps analyze the behavior, robustness and performance of the system prior to its actual use and thus providing a computer-aid tool helping in the design process. One case study shows that agent-based composable simulation can predict the behavior and performance of the system as a whole.

► Agent-based simulation framework for modeling precision feeding systems.
► Virtual agent simulation as a tool for designing and evaluating automatic systems.
► A virtual feeder has been simulated using the proposed method and its performance has been evaluated.
► Virtual prototyping and simulation allowed exploring alternative system design and obtaining instant feedback.