This book illustrates the applications of mobile robot systems in warehouse operations with an integrated decision framework for their selection and application. Mobile robot systems are an automation solution in warehouses that make order fulfillment agile, flexible and scalable to cope with the increasing volume and complexity of customer orders. Compared with manual operations, they combine higher productivity and throughput with lower operating costs. As the practical use of mobile robot systems is increasing, decision-makers are confronted with a plethora of decisions. Still, research is lagging in providing the needed academic insights and managerial guidance. The lack of a structured decision framework tailored for mobile robot system applications in warehouses increases the probability of problems when choosing automation systems. This book demonstrates the characteristics of mobile robot systems which reinforce warehouse managers in identifying, evaluating and choosing candidate systems through multiple criteria. Furthermore, the managerial decision framework covering decisions at strategic, tactical and operational levels in detail helps decision-makers to implement a mobile robot solution step-by-step. This book puts special emphasis on change management and operational control of mobile robots using path planning and task allocation algorithms. The book also introduces focus areas that require particular attention to aid the efficiency and practical application of these systems, such as facility layout planning, robot fleet sizing, and human-robot interaction. It will be essential reading for academics and students working on digital warehousing and logistics, as well as practitioners in warehouses looking to make informed decisions.
Author(s): Alp Yildirim, Hendrik Reefke, Emel Aktas
Series: Palgrave Studies in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Publisher: Palgrave Pivot
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 159
City: Cham
Preface
Contents
About the Authors
List of Figures
List of Tables
Chapter 1: Introduction
References
Chapter 2: Methodology
2.1 Planning the Review
2.2 Conducting the Review
References
Chapter 3: Mobile Robot Systems and Their Evaluation
3.1 Linear Route Mobile Robots
3.2 Guided Mobile Robots
3.2.1 Barcode-Guided Mobile Robots
3.2.2 Laser-Guided Mobile Robots
3.3 Freeway Mobile Robots
3.3.1 Autonomous Forklifts
3.3.2 Human-Collaborated Mobile Robots
3.3.3 Mobile Picking Robots
3.4 Hybrid Systems
3.4.1 AS/RS, Conveyors, and Linear Mobile Robots
3.4.2 Picker and Transport Robots
3.4.3 Laser-Guided Mobile Robots and Pallet Shuttles
3.5 Guided Examples of Evaluation Criteria
3.5.1 The ‘Equal Weight’ Approach
Mobile Robot Selection Scenario: A Logistics Service Provider in E-Commerce Fulfilment
3.5.2 FUCOM Approach
3.6 Final Remarks
References
Chapter 4: Strategic Decisions in Mobile Robot Automation
4.1 Identifying the Criteria for Mobile Robot System Evaluation
4.2 Identifying Key Performance Indicators
4.2.1 Warehouse-Specific KPIs
4.2.2 Mobile Robot System-Specific KPIs
4.3 Type of Mobile Robots and Their Coordination
4.3.1 Centralised Coordination
4.3.2 Distributed Coordination
4.3.3 Mixed Coordination
4.4 Facility Layout
4.4.1 Number of Floors
4.4.2 Number, Size, and Location of Pick-Up and Delivery Points
4.4.3 Flow Path Layout of Mobile Robots
4.4.4 Idle Vehicle and Robot Charging Locations
4.5 Managing Human-Robot Interactions
4.5.1 Human Tasks
4.5.2 Ergonomics
4.5.3 Personnel Management
4.5.4 Human Safety
References
Chapter 5: Tactical Decisions in Mobile Robot Automation
5.1 Storage Assignment Plan
5.2 Order Management Plan
5.2.1 Static Order Management
5.2.2 Dynamic Order Management
5.3 Quantity of Robots (Fleet Sizing)
5.4 Maintenance and Failure Handling Strategies
5.5 Robot Energy Management
References
Chapter 6: Operational Decisions in Mobile Robot Automation
6.1 Mobile Robot Task Allocation
6.1.1 Static/Fixed Task Allocation
6.1.2 Dynamic/Online Task Allocation
6.2 Path Planning of Mobile Robots
6.3 Deadlock Resolution and Conflict Avoidance Plans
6.3.1 Conflicts
6.3.2 Deadlocks
References
Chapter 7: Managerial Decision Framework
7.1 Further Considerations on Change Management
7.1.1 Incremental Change Versus Change Management
7.1.2 Change Management Methods
Lewin’s Method
Judson’s Method
Kotter’s Method
7.1.3 Change Characteristics
Change Scope and Depth
Change Direction
Change Control
Change Frequency
7.2 Further Considerations on Algorithms
References
Chapter 8: Research Agenda
8.1 Mobile Robot Systems and Selection Criteria
8.2 Managerial Decision Framework
8.2.1 Strategic-Level Focus Areas
8.2.2 Tactical-Level Focus Areas
8.2.3 Operational-Level Focus Areas
8.3 Research Agenda Summary
References
Chapter 9: Conclusion
Reference
Appendix: Synthesis Table
Index
