Deploying autonomous mobile lockers in a two-echelon parcel operation. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Jun; Ensafian, Hamidreza; Bell, Michael G.H.; Geers, D. Glenn
• Is Part Of: Transportation research. Volume 128(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Autonomous mobile lockers -- Two-echelon -- Location routing problem -- Hybrid Clark and Wright heuristic; Transportation -- Periodicals; Transportation -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; 388.011
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trc.2021.103155
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0968-090X

Abstract

Highlights: A novel model referred to as the AML-Courier 2-Echelon Location Routing Problem. Simultaneous parcel pickup and delivery in the AC-2E-LRP. A mixed integer programming model minimizes the objective cost. Hybrid Clark and Wright heuristic and an enhanced version for large size problem. Benchmarked against one-echelon without AML and two-echelon with AML. Abstract: In this study, Autonomous Mobile Lockers (AMLs) are introduced into current city logistics networks to reduce traffic congestion and save cost. The proposed system consists of couriers working with AMLs that visit the couriers in the field and transfer parcels between the couriers and the depot. Couriers can continue their tours without having to make repeated returns to the depot. At the same time, the AMLs can enlarge the coverage of each depot and allow a reduction in the number of depots, saving on rent. We propose a mixed integer programming model to solve the AML-Courier 2-Echelon Location Routing Problem in order to determine the tours of AMLs and couriers. We adapt and modify a hybrid Clark and Wright heuristic, the performance of which is examined for larger problem sizes, and introduce an enhanced version to improve the routes constructed. The results show the efficiency of the proposed heuristics for large problem sizes in terms of solution quality and execution time. Finally, the sensitivity of the best found solutions to some important parameters is analysed and a comparison with a single-echelon model made to establish the benefit of AML use.