A Review of the Multitasking Allocation Model for Vertical Farming System

Abstract

Vertical Farming System (VFS) can produce food efficiently in times of dramatic climate change, regional conflicts that affect food transportation, or space exploration. The high degree of automation in the system, a large number of sensors and robots work together, so an efficient task allocation model can significantly enhance operational efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and elevate the overall economic performance of VFS.With this background, the purpose of this review is to describe the current available multi-task allocation models applicable to VFS or related contexts. Through a literature analysis over the past 5 years, researchers have developed and analyzed numerous multi-task allocation models in the relevant fields, such as Multi-Objective Knapsack Problem (MOKP) models and Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) models. Depending on the nature of the problem and the constraints of the environment, diverse types of multi-task allocation models have been proposed. Tasks generated within the VFS must be completed within specified time limits, and certain tasks require collaborative efforts among different robots. Taking into consideration these task requirements and drawing upon existing multi-task allocation models proposed by other researchers, this review propose the VFSRTP (VFS Robot Task Planning) model. It is expected that this work will have a positive impact on the research of VFS multi-task allocation model, and provide some model descriptions and guidelines.