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The adoption of self-driving delivery robots in last mile logistics

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  • Chen, Cheng
  • Demir, Emrah
  • Huang, Yuan
  • Qiu, Rongzu

Abstract

Covid-19, the global pandemic, has taught us the importance of contactless delivery service and robotic automation. Using self-driving delivery robots can provide flexibility for on-time deliveries and help better protect both driver and customers by minimizing contact. To this end, this paper introduces a new vehicle routing problem with time windows and delivery robots (VRPTWDR). With the help of delivery robots, considerable operational time savings can be achieved by dispatching robots to serve nearby customers while a driver is also serving a customer. We provide a mathematical model for the VRPTWDR and investigate the challenges and benefits of using delivery robots as assistants for city logistics. A two-stage matheurisitic algorithm is developed to solve medium scale VRPTWDR instances. Finally, results of computational experiments demonstrate the value of self-driving delivery robots in urban areas by highlighting operational limitations on route planning.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Cheng & Demir, Emrah & Huang, Yuan & Qiu, Rongzu, 2021. "The adoption of self-driving delivery robots in last mile logistics," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 146(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:transe:v:146:y:2021:i:c:s1366554520308565
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tre.2020.102214
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    6. Juliet Orji, Ifeyinwa & Ojadi, Frank & Kalu Okwara, Ukoha, 2022. "The nexus between e-commerce adoption in a health pandemic and firm performance: The role of pandemic response strategies," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 145(C), pages 616-635.
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    10. Xueqin Wang & Yiik Diew Wong & Kum Fai Yuen, 2021. "Does COVID-19 Promote Self-Service Usage among Modern Shoppers? An Exploration of Pandemic-Driven Behavioural Changes in Self-Collection Users," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-22, August.
    11. Mishra, Sabyasachee & Sharma, Ishant & Pani, Agnivesh, 2023. "Analyzing autonomous delivery acceptance in food deserts based on shopping travel patterns," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 169(C).
    12. Keyong Lin & S. Nurmaya Musa & Hwa Jen Yap, 2022. "Vehicle Routing Optimization for Pandemic Containment: A Systematic Review on Applications and Solution Approaches," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-27, February.
    13. Mashalah, Heider Al & Hassini, Elkafi & Gunasekaran, Angappa & Bhatt (Mishra), Deepa, 2022. "The impact of digital transformation on supply chains through e-commerce: Literature review and a conceptual framework," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 165(C).
    14. Srinivas, Sharan & Ramachandiran, Surya & Rajendran, Suchithra, 2022. "Autonomous robot-driven deliveries: A review of recent developments and future directions," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 165(C).
    15. Themistoklis Stamadianos & Nikolaos A. Kyriakakis & Magdalene Marinaki & Yannis Marinakis, 2023. "Routing Problems with Electric and Autonomous Vehicles: Review and Potential for Future Research," SN Operations Research Forum, Springer, vol. 4(2), pages 1-34, June.
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