An AnyLogic Statechart Tutorial: Unlocking the Power of Agent-Based Modeling

Agent-based modeling has become a vital tool in many fields, including epidemiology, social sciences, and economics. At its core, agent-based modeling involves simulating the behavior of multiple agents that interact with each other and their environment over time. In this tutorial, we will explore how to create an AnyLogic statechart, a crucial component of agent-based modeling.

What are Statecharts?

A statechart is a visual representation of an agent's life cycle, divided into different states. Each state can have its own set of variables and transitions between states. For example, in the 'infected' state, there may be sub-states such as 'diagnosed' and 'undiagnosed', and in the 'diagnosed' state, there may be additional sub-states describing the treatment process.

Hierarchical State Diagrams

AnyLogic statecharts can also include hierarchical state diagrams, where states within a single state are defined. This allows for a more detailed representation of an agent's behavior over time.

The Power of Category Theory in Agent-Based Modeling

While creating an AnyLogic statechart is essential, it's equally important to understand the theoretical foundations of agent-based modeling. Luckily, category theory can provide valuable insights into the underlying mathematics of agent-based models. In fact, researchers have already developed a categorical framework for modeling with stock and flow diagrams, which shares many similarities with agent-based models.

Existing Software for Agent-Based Modeling

There are several software options available for creating agent-based models, including AnyLogic, NetLogo, and Repast. These tools provide a range of features and functionalities that can be used to create, simulate, and analyze agent-based models.

Our Goal: Creating Convenient and Flexible Agent-Based Modeling Tools

Our team is working towards developing a category-based framework for agent-based models that will enable epidemiologists and other researchers to create convenient, flexible software for creating, composing, refining, running, and visualizing their models. By leveraging the power of category theory and AnyLogic statecharts, we aim to make agent-based modeling more accessible and effective.

In this tutorial, we have explored the basics of AnyLogic statecharts and their role in agent-based modeling. By mastering these concepts, you can unlock the potential of agent-based modeling and create powerful simulations that can be used to understand complex systems and phenomena. Whether you're an epidemiologist or a researcher from another field, AnyLogic statecharts offer a versatile tool for creating and analyzing agent-based models.

References

Baez, J., Li, X., Libkind, S., Osgood, N., & Patterson, E. (2022). Compositional modeling with stock and flow diagrams. Proceedings of Applied Category Theory 2022.

Osgood, N., & Redekopp, E. (n.d.). A categorical framework for modeling with stock and flow diagrams. Mathematics for Public Health, Springer.

Anylogic statechart tutorial