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A hybrid urban delivery system with robots

Author

Listed:
  • Yu, Shaohua
  • Campbell, Ann Melissa
  • Ehmke, Jan Fabian
  • Puchinger, Jakob

Abstract

Cities are now restricting access for conventional delivery technologies in some areas, requiring businesses to adopt more flexible distribution systems to complete their deliveries. We present a two-echelon hybrid truck-based robot delivery system for last-mile logistics operations. Robots can navigate through truck no-go areas such as pedestrian zones and college campuses, while trucks can travel through less restricted areas. The hybrid delivery model allows the distribution system to automatically select the better distribution strategy, thereby improving distribution efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Yu, Shaohua & Campbell, Ann Melissa & Ehmke, Jan Fabian & Puchinger, Jakob, 2026. "A hybrid urban delivery system with robots," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 331(2), pages 441-461.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ejores:v:331:y:2026:i:2:p:441-461
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2025.10.008
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    References listed on IDEAS

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