Research

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21 pages, 1744 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Drone-Based Emergent Distribution of Packages to an Island from a Land Base

by Zhi-Hua Hu, Tao Li, Xi-Dan Tian and Yue-He Wei

Drones 2023, 7(3), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones7030218 - 21 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1352

An island logistics system is vulnerable in emergency conditions and even isolated from land logistics. Drone-based distribution is an emerging solution investigated in this study to transport packages from a land base to the islands. Considering the drone costs, drone landing platforms in [...] Read more.

An island logistics system is vulnerable in emergency conditions and even isolated from land logistics. Drone-based distribution is an emerging solution investigated in this study to transport packages from a land base to the islands. Considering the drone costs, drone landing platforms in islands, and incorporation into the island ground distribution system, this study categorizes the direct, point-to-point, and cyclic bi-stage distribution modes: in the direct mode, the packages are distributed from the drone base station to the customers directly by drones; in the point-to-point mode, the packages are transported to the drone landing platform and then distributed to the customers independently; in the cyclic mode, the packages are distributed from a drone landing platform by a closed route. The modes are formulated, and evaluation metrics and solution methods are developed. In the experiments based on an island case, the models and solution methods are demonstrated, compared, and analyzed. The cyclic bi-stage distribution mode can improve drone flying distance by 50%, and an iterative heuristic algorithm can further improve drone flying distance by 27.8%, and the ground costs by 3.16%, average for the settings of twenty to sixty customers and two to four drone landing platforms. Based on the modeling and experimental studies, managerial implications and possible extensions are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applications of Drones in Logistics)

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25 pages, 3320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing the Hub-and-Spoke Network with Drone-Based Traveling Salesman Problem

by Chao-Feng Gao, Zhi-Hua Hu and Yao-Zong Wang

Drones 2023, 7(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones7010006 - 22 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2067

Abstract

The hub-and-spoke network (HSN) design generally assumes direct transportation between a spoke node and its assigned hub, while the spoke’s demand may be far less than a truckload. Therefore, the total number of trucks on the network increases unnecessarily. We form a drone-based [...] Read more.

The hub-and-spoke network (HSN) design generally assumes direct transportation between a spoke node and its assigned hub, while the spoke’s demand may be far less than a truckload. Therefore, the total number of trucks on the network increases unnecessarily. We form a drone-based traveling salesman problem (TSP-D) for the cluster of spokes assigned to a hub. A truck starts from the hub, visiting each spoke node of the hub in turn and finally returning to the hub. We propose a three-stage decomposition model to solve the HSN with TSPD (HSNTSP-D). The corresponding three-stage decomposition algorithm is developed, including cooperation among variable neighborhood search (VNA) heuristics and nearest neighbor algorithm (NNA), and then the spoke-to-hub assignment algorithm through the reassignment strategy (RA) method. The performance of the three-stage decomposition algorithm is tested and compared on standard datasets (CAB, AP, and TR). The numerical analysis of the scenarios shows that whether it is trunk hub-level transportation or drone spoke-level transportation, it integrates resources to form a scale effect, which can reduce transport devices significantly, as well as decreasing the investment and operating costs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applications of Drones in Logistics)

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22 pages, 4445 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Warehouse Drone: Indoor Positioning and Product Counter with Virtual Fiducial Markers

by Murat Ekici, Ahmet Çağdaş Seçkin, Ahmet Özek and Ceyhun Karpuz

Drones 2023, 7(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones7010003 - 21 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2706

Abstract

The use of robotic systems in logistics has increased the importance of precise positioning, especially in warehouses. The paper presents a system that uses virtual fiducial markers to accurately predict the position of a drone in a warehouse and count items on the [...] Read more.

The use of robotic systems in logistics has increased the importance of precise positioning, especially in warehouses. The paper presents a system that uses virtual fiducial markers to accurately predict the position of a drone in a warehouse and count items on the rack. A warehouse scenario is created in the simulation environment to determine the success rate of positioning. A total of 27 racks are lined up in the warehouse and in the center of the space, and a 6 × 6 ArUco type fiducial marker is used on each rack. The position of the vehicle is predicted by supervised learning. The inputs are the virtual fiducial marker features from the drone. The output data are the cartesian position and yaw angle. All input and output data required for supervised learning in the simulation environment were collected along different random routes. An image processing algorithm was prepared by making use of fiducial markers to perform rack counting after the positioning process. Among the regression algorithms used, the AdaBoost algorithm showed the highest performance. The R₂ values obtained in the position prediction were 0.991 for the x-axis, 0.976 for the y-axis, 0.979 for the z-axis, and 0.816 for the γ-angle rotation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applications of Drones in Logistics)

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28 pages, 3599 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Path Planning Model with a Genetic Algorithm for Stock Inventory Using a Swarm of Drones

by Miklós Gubán and József Udvaros

Drones 2022, 6(11), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones6110364 - 19 Nov 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3414

Abstract

In this paper, a mathematical model and solution for performing the inventory tasks of a multi-user, mixed warehouse in which neither satellite positioning nor other IT solutions can be used was presented. After reviewing the literature on road planning and the use of [...] Read more.

In this paper, a mathematical model and solution for performing the inventory tasks of a multi-user, mixed warehouse in which neither satellite positioning nor other IT solutions can be used was presented. After reviewing the literature on road planning and the use of drones in warehouses, a method is presented that can be used to control drones that can be moved in all directions for imaging and transmission. The proposed method consists of three main steps. As a first step, we provide the mathematical model and solution method needed to determine the (optimal execution time) access routes required for processing the compartments of the warehouses. This is an initial step before starting the inventory. This considers the structure of the warehouse, its features, the number of drones, and the parameters of the drones. In the second step, based on the routes obtained in the first step, the real-time movement of the drones was controlled during processing, including camera movement and image recording. The third step is post-processing, i.e., processing the images for QR code identification, interpreting the QR code, and recognizing empty compartments for inventory control. A major advantage for users of the solution method is that the result can be achieved automatically without an external orientation device, relying solely on its own movement and the organization of a pre-planned route. The proposed model and solution method are suitable not only for inventory control, but also for solving other problems matching the model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applications of Drones in Logistics)

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18 pages, 2166 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Adaptation to Facilitate Healthcare Supply Chains in Low-Income Countries

by Kalani Gunaratne, Amila Thibbotuwawa, Alex Elkjær Vasegaard, Peter Nielsen and H. Niles Perera

Drones 2022, 6(11), 321; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones6110321 - 26 Oct 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2592

Abstract

Low-income countries are persistently suffering from last-mile logistics issues in healthcare supply chains. Therefore, it is high time to explore technological applications to overcome such inadequacies. The faster speed, low maintenance cost, and absence of road dependency in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) have [...] Read more.

Low-income countries are persistently suffering from last-mile logistics issues in healthcare supply chains. Therefore, it is high time to explore technological applications to overcome such inadequacies. The faster speed, low maintenance cost, and absence of road dependency in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) have popularized them as an alternative to road delivery. Hence, it is suggested as a solution to overcome the persisting distribution inefficiencies in healthcare logistics of low-income countries. According to the case study analysis conducted on the Sri Lankan vaccine cold chain, incorporating UAVs increases truck-space utilization and reduces the time consumed, cost incurred, and carbon dioxide emission in a delivery round. Moreover, the most suitable way to cover the initial setup cost of an unmanned aerial system (UAS) is by receiving aid from international donors. The capital cost also can be covered by government investments or via service outsourcing only if the number of flights per year is increased. Moreover, a homogenous (i.e., only UAV) solution was revealed to be more beneficial than a heterogeneous (i.e., truck and UAV) solution. However, due to the lack of technology literacy and willingness to change in low-income countries, it is recommended to initially execute a heterogeneous solution and expand to a homogeneous plan in the future years. However, it was evident that for a mixed-fleet solution to be advantageous, drone characteristics play a vital role. Hence, a UAV with specifications ideal for the use case must be utilized to garner the maximum benefits. Nevertheless, it was apparent that with the right implementation plan, UAVs possess the potential to overcome the shortcomings in the healthcare logistics of low-income countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applications of Drones in Logistics)

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29 pages, 2156 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of the Integration of First-Mile and Last-Mile Drone-Based Operations from Trucks on Energy Efficiency and the Environment

by Tamás Bányai

Drones 2022, 6(9), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones6090249 - 11 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2865

Abstract

Supply chain solutions are based on first-mile and last-mile deliveries; their efficiency significantly influences the total cost of operation. Drone technologies make it possible to improve first-mile and last-mile operations, but the design and optimization of these solutions offers new challenges. Within the [...] Read more.

Supply chain solutions are based on first-mile and last-mile deliveries; their efficiency significantly influences the total cost of operation. Drone technologies make it possible to improve first-mile and last-mile operations, but the design and optimization of these solutions offers new challenges. Within the frame of this article, the author focuses on the impact of integrated first-mile/last-mile drone-based delivery services from trucks, analyzing the impact of solutions on energy efficiency, the environmental impact and sustainability. The author describes a novel model of drone-based integrated first-mile/last-mile services which makes it possible to analyze the impact of different typical solutions on sustainability. As the numerical examples and computational results show, the integrated first-mile-last-mile drone-based service from trucks could lead to a significant reduction in energy consumption and a reduction in virtual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which would lead to a more sustainable logistics system. The numerical analysis of the scenarios shows that the increased application of drones and the integration of first-mile and last-mile delivery operations could decrease energy consumption by about 87%. This reduction in energy consumption, depending on the generation source of electricity, significantly increases the reduction in greenhouse gas emission. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applications of Drones in Logistics)

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Review

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59 pages, 5575 KiB

Open AccessReview

Complementarity, Interoperability, and Level of Integration of Humanitarian Drones with Emerging Digital Technologies: A State-of-the-Art Systematic Literature Review of Mathematical Models

by Eleni Aretoulaki, Stavros T. Ponis and George Plakas

Drones 2023, 7(5), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones7050301 - 04 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2142

Abstract

The adoption of drones and other emerging digital technologies (DTs) has proven essential in revolutionizing humanitarian logistics as standalone solutions. However, the interoperability of humanitarian drones with other DTs has not yet been explored. In this study, we performed a systematic literature review [...] Read more.

The adoption of drones and other emerging digital technologies (DTs) has proven essential in revolutionizing humanitarian logistics as standalone solutions. However, the interoperability of humanitarian drones with other DTs has not yet been explored. In this study, we performed a systematic literature review to attempt to fill this gap by evaluating 101 mathematical models collected from Scopus. After conducting a descriptive analysis to identify the trends of publications in terms of year, type, source, and country of origin, a content analysis ensued to investigate the complementarity, interoperability, and level of integration of humanitarian drones with eight DTs. Next, we researched how these DTs can help drones exploit their capabilities to their full potential and facilitate the various drone operations deployed across different disaster scenarios, types, and stages. Last, the solving approaches employed by the models were examined. Overall, we shifted our research focus toward several overlooked aspects in the literature and identified multiple challenges needing to be addressed. Our work resulted in the formulation of a holistic framework aiming to standardize the cooperative utilization of DTs during the execution of humanitarian drone operations, so as to enhance their real-life application and scalability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applications of Drones in Logistics)

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26 pages, 824 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Drone-Aided Delivery Methods, Challenge, and the Future: A Methodological Review

by Xueping Li, Jose Tupayachi, Aliza Sharmin and Madelaine Martinez Ferguson

Drones 2023, 7(3), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones7030191 - 10 Mar 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 8469

Abstract

The use of drones for package delivery, commonly known as drone delivery or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) delivery, has gained significant attention from academia and industries. Compared to traditional delivery methods, it provides greater flexibility, improved accessibility, increased speed and efficiency, enhanced safety, [...] Read more.

The use of drones for package delivery, commonly known as drone delivery or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) delivery, has gained significant attention from academia and industries. Compared to traditional delivery methods, it provides greater flexibility, improved accessibility, increased speed and efficiency, enhanced safety, and even some environmental benefits. With the increasing interest in this technology, it is crucial for researchers and practitioners to understand the current state of the art in drone delivery. This paper aims to review the current literature on drone delivery and identify research trends, challenges, and future research directions. Specifically, the relevant literature is identified and selected using a systematic literature review approach. We then categorize the literature according to the characteristics and objectives of the problems and thoroughly analyze them based on mathematical formulations and solution techniques. We summarize key challenges and limitations associated with drone delivery from technological, safety, societal, and environmental aspects. Finally, potential research directions are identified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applications of Drones in Logistics)

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19 pages, 2346 KiB

Open AccessReview

Last-Mile Drone Delivery: Past, Present, and Future

by Hossein Eskandaripour and Enkhsaikhan Boldsaikhan

Drones 2023, 7(2), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones7020077 - 21 Jan 2023

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 13675

Abstract

Sustainable green products and services garner more attention from companies and enterprises that aim to succeed and grow in highly competitive markets by imposing less harms on the environment and ecosystems. Last-mile delivery from local distribution centers to customers plays an essential role [...] Read more.

Sustainable green products and services garner more attention from companies and enterprises that aim to succeed and grow in highly competitive markets by imposing less harms on the environment and ecosystems. Last-mile delivery from local distribution centers to customers plays an essential role in the retail business. Retail companies are leaning towards implementing green, efficient transportation methods, such as drones, in their last-mile delivery operations to conserve ecosystems. Accordingly, researchers have documented numerous research findings on last-mile drone delivery in recent years. This literature review selected a collection of articles mostly from 2011 to 2022 and reviewed them in terms of key technical challenges, such as routing, cargo distribution optimization, battery management, data communication, and environmental protection. These challenges are interrelated in a sense of achieving eco-friendly, efficient, lean, last-mile drone delivery. The selection of these technical challenges is based on the top challenges discussed in the literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applications of Drones in Logistics)

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