Collaborative Optimization of Storage Location Assignment and Path Planning in Robotic Mobile Fulfillment Systems

Jianming Cai, Xiaokang Li, Yue Liang and Shan Ouyang
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Jianming Cai: School of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China
Xiaokang Li: School of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China
Yue Liang: School of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China
Shan Ouyang: School of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 10, 1-26

Abstract: The robotic mobile fulfillment system (RMFS) is a new automatic warehousing system, a type of green technology, and an emerging trend in the logistics industry. In this study, we take an RMFS as the research object and combine the connected issues of storage location assignment and path planning into one optimization problem from the perspective of collaborative optimization. A sustainable mathematical model for the collaborative optimization of storage location assignment and path planning (COSLAPP) is established, which considers the relationship between the location assignment of goods and rack storage and path planning in an RMFS. On this basis, we propose a location assignment strategy for goods clustering and rack turnover, which utilizes reservation tables, sets AGV operation rules to resolve AGV running conflicts, and improves the A-star(A*) algorithm based on the node load to find the shortest path by which the AGV handling the racks can complete the order picking. Ultimately, simulation studies were performed to ascertain the effectiveness of COSLAPP in the RMFS; the results show that the new approach can significantly improve order picking efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and lessen the operating costs of the warehouse of a distribution center.

Keywords: automatic warehousing system; green technology; robotic mobile fulfillment system (RMFS); storage location assignment; path planning; A-star algorithm (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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