Cost oriented software system for animal husbandry smart automation

This paper describes the research and creation of a proof-of-concept prototype of a highly scalable software solution for a cost-oriented cyber-physical system for animal husbandry, based on an open-source operating system, server, databases, graphical and analytical tools. The paper attempts to incorporate sophisticated home automation techniques and adjust them to suit a modern-day farm. By using the positive example of the large user communities created around open-source Smart Home automation systems, our vision is to create community-driven farm automation open-source hub, where farmers can share their software configurations and automation rules, and inspire other farmers to install and try cost-oriented automation in their farms. The proposed system does not require advanced programming skills and can be deployed even in small rural farms, just by using some tech-savvy person on site. On the other hand, by being able to communicate over most of the automation industry-standard protocols and creating complex automation rules on the server, the system can accommodate the automation needs of large intensive animal farming units. The paper proposes the use of a low-cost single board computer as a server, opposed to using SCADA systems and industrial Programmable Logic Controllers/PLC/in farm automation. The authors also propose the use (where applicable) of mass-produced, thus cost-effective Smart Home IoT sensors, control devices, and actuators in farm automation.