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Parts-to-picker based order processing in a rack-moving mobile robots environment

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  • Boysen, Nils
  • Briskorn, Dirk
  • Emde, Simon

Abstract

This paper treats a special parts-to-picker based order processing system, where mobile robots hoist racks and bring them directly to stationary pickers. This technological innovation – known as the Kiva system – heavily influences all traditional planning problems to be solved when operating a warehouse. We, specifically, tackle the order processing in a picking station, i.e., the batching and sequencing of picking orders and the interdependent sequencing of the racks brought to a station. We formalize the resulting decision problem and provide suited solution procedures. In a comprehensive computational study we show that an optimized order picking allows to more than halve the fleet of robots compared to simple decision rules often applied in real-world warehouses.

Suggested Citation

  • Boysen, Nils & Briskorn, Dirk & Emde, Simon, 2017. "Parts-to-picker based order processing in a rack-moving mobile robots environment," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 262(2), pages 550-562.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ejores:v:262:y:2017:i:2:p:550-562
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2017.03.053
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. de Koster, Rene & Le-Duc, Tho & Roodbergen, Kees Jan, 2007. "Design and control of warehouse order picking: A literature review," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 182(2), pages 481-501, October.
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    3. Lamballais, T. & Roy, D. & De Koster, M.B.M., 2017. "Estimating performance in a Robotic Mobile Fulfillment System," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 256(3), pages 976-990.
    4. Vis, Iris F.A., 2006. "Survey of research in the design and control of automated guided vehicle systems," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 170(3), pages 677-709, May.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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