Deterministic Pod Repositioning in Robotic Mobile Fulfillment Systems

Research output: Working paperWorking papers

Authors

In a robotic mobile fulfillment system, robots bring shelves, called pods, with storage items from the storage area to pick stations. At every pick station there is a person -- the picker -- who takes parts from the pod and packs them into boxes according to orders. Usually there are multiple shelves at the pick station. In this case, they build a queue with the picker at its head. When the picker does not need the pod any more, a robot transports the pod back to the storage area. At that time, we need to answer a question: ``Where is the optimal place in the inventory to put this pod back?''. It is a tough question, because there are many uncertainties to consider before answering it. Moreover, each decision made to answer the question influences the subsequent ones. The goal of this paper is to answer the question properly. We call this problem the Pod Repositioning Problem and formulate a deterministic model. This model is tested with different algorithms, including binary integer programming, cheapest place, fixed place, random place, genetic algorithms, and a novel algorithm called Tetris.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages37
Publication statusPublished - 09.10.2018

Links

Recently viewed

Publications

  1. Re-visiting Effectuation
  2. Improving mechanical properties of chip-based aluminum extrudates by integrated extrusion and equal channel angular pressing (iECAP)
  3. Fermentative utilization of coffee mucilage using Bacillus coagulans and investigation of down-stream processing of fermentation broth for optically pure L(+)-lactic acid production
  4. Model-based wind turbine control design with power tracking capability
  5. Tree phylogenetic diversity structures multitrophic communities
  6. Multinomial choice models based on Archimedean copulas
  7. Learning through evaluation
  8. Vocational identity as a mediator of the relationship between core self-evaluations and life and job satisfaction
  9. Higher Wages in Exporting Firms
  10. The 1986 Principles Relating to Remote Sensing of the Earth from Outer Space (RS Princi­ples)
  11. Mechanisms of teleological change
  12. Value of large-scale linear networks for bird conservation
  13. The Weird and the Eerie
  14. Generalizing Trust
  15. Dissolved carbon leaching from soil is a crucial component of the net ecosystem carbon balance
  16. Hacking Crowdfunding
  17. Towards a bridging concept for undesirable resilience in social-ecological systems
  18. Dimension theoretical properties of generalized Baker's transformations
  19. Noticing Colour
  20. The Timing of Daily Demand for Goods and Services
  21. A directional modification of the Levkovitch-Svendsen cross-hardening model based on the stress deviator
  22. Impact assessment of emissions stabilization scenarios with and without induced technological change
  23. Methodological Challenges in Sustainability Science: A Call for Method Plurality, Procedural Rigor and Longitudinal Research
  24. Headway Control and Comfort in Vehicle Automation
  25. Introduction to Music and the Politics of Memory
  26. Influence of Different Biogenic Fuels on Base Oil Aging
  27. Grassroots Innovations for Inclusive Development
  28. Die coatings influence evaluation and friction model selection in aluminium extrusion by means of visioplasticity technique
  29. Drivers of within-tree leaf trait variation in a tropical planted forest varying in tree species richness
  30. Life satisfaction in Germany after reunification: Additional insights on the pattern of convergence
  31. Introduction to the Psychology of Entrepreneurship
  32. BAuA-Arbeitszeitbefragung: Vergleich 2015 – 2017 – 2019
  33. Are the terms “Socio-economic status” and “Class status” a warped form of reasoning for Max Weber?
  34. Sustainable Development and Quality Assurance in Higher Education
  35. Towards a Sustainable Use of Phosphorus
  36. Putting sustainable chemistry and resource use into context
  37. Mythen der Edda in der deutschen Dichtung
  38. Initial hazard screening for genotoxicity of photo-transformation products of ciprofloxacin by applying a combination of experimental and in-silico testing