Abstract
The robotic mobile fulfillment system (RMFS) is a new automatic warehousing system, a type of green technology, and an emerging trend in the logistics industry. In this study, we take an RMFS as the research object and combine the connected issues of storage location assignment and path planning into one optimization problem from the perspective of collaborative optimization. A sustainable mathematical model for the collaborative optimization of storage location assignment and path planning (COSLAPP) is established, which considers the relationship between the location assignment of goods and rack storage and path planning in an RMFS. On this basis, we propose a location assignment strategy for goods clustering and rack turnover, which utilizes reservation tables, sets AGV operation rules to resolve AGV running conflicts, and improves the A-star(A*) algorithm based on the node load to find the shortest path by which the AGV handling the racks can complete the order picking. Ultimately, simulation studies were performed to ascertain the effectiveness of COSLAPP in the RMFS; the results show that the new approach can significantly improve order picking efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and lessen the operating costs of the warehouse of a distribution center.
Highlights
The problem studied in this paper is the minimization of the total time spent on the two processes of robotic mobile fulfillment system (RMFS) storage location assignment and path planning; that is, by considering the COSLAPP problem in RMFS, the aims were to reduce the AGV’s moving distance and the number of times the racks were carried, and complete the order picking task in a shorter time, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the RMFS system, expressed by the following mathematical formula: minDT = Tassign + Tpath
For the purpose of improving picking efficiency, the collaborative optimization model is considered from two aspects: One is storing relevant goods in the same rack according to historical order data, so that picking is performed in one rack as much as possible
As a new type of “goods-to-person” automatic warehousing system, the RMFS provides a green technology comprising an automatic solution for order picking
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Manual operations cannot effectively promote the development of a sustainable economy due to factors such as long processing times and high cost In this context, the application of sustainable green technologies (e.g., automated equipment) for warehousing. Adopting an appropriate green technical solution that is compatible with the operational features of an enterprise is an essential task for sustainability, and a key process in the successful commercialization of any type of technology [8]. Many operation links affect the efficiency and cost of operation assignment strategy strategy for goods or racks [10,11], task for an RMFS, including the location assignment allocation [12,13,14],. Object to study the COSLAPP and verify its theoretical feasibility
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
