Planning and control of autonomous mobile robots for intralogistics: Literature review and research agenda

Giuseppe Fragapane, René de Koster, Fabio Sgarbossa and Jan Ola Strandhagen

European Journal of Operational Research, 2021, vol. 294, issue 2, 405-426

Abstract: Autonomous mobile robots (AMR) are currently being introduced in many intralogistics operations, like manufacturing, warehousing, cross-docks, terminals, and hospitals. Their advanced hardware and control software allow autonomous operations in dynamic environments. Compared to an automated guided vehicle (AGV) system in which a central unit takes control of scheduling, routing, and dispatching decisions for all AGVs, AMRs can communicate and negotiate independently with other resources like machines and systems and thus decentralize the decision-making process. Decentralized decision-making allows the system to react dynamically to changes in the system state and environment. These developments have influenced the traditional methods and decision-making processes for planning and control. This study identifies and classifies research related to the planning and control of AMRs in intralogistics. We provide an extended literature review that highlights how AMR technological advances affect planning and control decisions. We contribute to the literature by introducing an AMR planning and control framework to guide managers in the decision-making process, thereby supporting them to achieve optimal performance. Finally, we propose an agenda for future research within this field.

Keywords: Logistics; Autonomous mobile robots; Planning and control; Literature review; Research agenda (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (25)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:ejores:v:294:y:2021:i:2:p:405-426

DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2021.01.019

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