Highlights A novel picking-replenishment synchronization mechanism is proposed for the robotic forward warehouse. The model attains a balance between picking efficiency and replenishment efforts. The proposed synchronization approach is superior to the conventional random schemes stably under various parameter settings.
Abstract Forward-reserve strategy is commonly applied when processing a large number of small orders. This paper considers robotic forward-reserve warehouses, where pick locations are brought to workers by mobile robots in the forward area. We treat the critical problem of unsatisfactory efficiency in the robotic forward area. A picking-replenishment synchronization mechanism (PRSM) is thereby proposed, which optimally attains a balance between replenishment efforts and picking efficiency. The resulting problem is formulated and solved by a tailored variable neighborhood search procedure integrated with a divide-and-conquer paradigm. Numerical results reveal remarkable benefits of PRSM over the conventional random schemes under different scenarios.
Picking-replenishment synchronization for robotic forward-reserve warehouses
2020-10-25
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
Method and device for order picking in warehouses largely by machine
Europäisches Patentamt | 2019
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