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Planning and control of autonomous mobile robots for intralogistics: Literature review and research agenda

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  • Fragapane, Giuseppe
  • de Koster, René
  • Sgarbossa, Fabio
  • Strandhagen, Jan Ola

Abstract

Autonomous mobile robots (AMR) are currently being introduced in many intralogistics operations, like manufacturing, warehousing, cross-docks, terminals, and hospitals. Their advanced hardware and control software allow autonomous operations in dynamic environments. Compared to an automated guided vehicle (AGV) system in which a central unit takes control of scheduling, routing, and dispatching decisions for all AGVs, AMRs can communicate and negotiate independently with other resources like machines and systems and thus decentralize the decision-making process. Decentralized decision-making allows the system to react dynamically to changes in the system state and environment. These developments have influenced the traditional methods and decision-making processes for planning and control. This study identifies and classifies research related to the planning and control of AMRs in intralogistics. We provide an extended literature review that highlights how AMR technological advances affect planning and control decisions. We contribute to the literature by introducing an AMR planning and control framework to guide managers in the decision-making process, thereby supporting them to achieve optimal performance. Finally, we propose an agenda for future research within this field.

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  • Fragapane, Giuseppe & de Koster, René & Sgarbossa, Fabio & Strandhagen, Jan Ola, 2021. "Planning and control of autonomous mobile robots for intralogistics: Literature review and research agenda," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 294(2), pages 405-426.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ejores:v:294:y:2021:i:2:p:405-426
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2021.01.019
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    6. Dominic Loske & Matthias Klumpp & Maria Keil & Thomas Neukirchen, 2021. "Logistics Work, Ergonomics and Social Sustainability: Empirical Musculoskeletal System Strain Assessment in Retail Intralogistics," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 5(4), pages 1-25, December.
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    9. 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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    16. Lechardoy, Lucie & López Forés, Laura & Codagnone, Cristiano, 2023. "Artificial intelligence at the workplace and the impacts on work organisation, working conditions and ethics," 32nd European Regional ITS Conference, Madrid 2023: Realising the digital decade in the European Union – Easier said than done? 277997, International Telecommunications Society (ITS).

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