Web Application for Simulation of an Agent-Based Model in NetLogo3D.

Abstract

Agent-based models (ABMs) are computer simulation models for studying systems of autonomous agents. Modelers often use specialized software like NetLogo to develop ABMs, but this software poses barriers to researchers in other disciplines with no prior programming experience. To address this issue, we developed a web application that allows users to simulate our ABM via a web browser, eliminating the need for the user to download and use specialized software. While presented in the context of a specific ABM, our approach can be applied to other ABMs to enhance accessibility. The ABM presented here was developed in NetLogo3D. The model simulates pain-related neural activity in the central nucleus of the amygdala and generates an emergent measure of pain output. The web application enables users to modify parameters, run simulations, visualize output, and export data without interacting with the model's code or downloading software, broadening access to researchers and the public.