SwarmFabSim: A Simulation Framework for Bottom-up Optimization in Flexible Job-Shop Scheduling using NetLogo

This paper models and simulates a semiconductor production plant organized by the job-shop principle as a self-organizing system using swarm intelligence algorithms in an agent-based simulation tool. We model a set of agents, including machines, workcenters, lots and processes. To simulate our model, we use NetLogo, one of the most widely used agent-based simulation platforms. The framework for the simulation was built as a structured system of code modules using a callback architecture that allows to exchange the used swarm algorithm easily. The user can configure their own fab model and simulations via the user interface and configuration files. The resulting log files include several key performance indicators: makespan, average flow factor, and lot tardiness. We offer the framework including sample swarm algorithms running on NetLogo version 6.1 and later as open source on GitHub.