A Solution Based on Hub Selection and Robot Routing Optimization for Last-mile Delivery

Abstract

This paper addresses the challenges in last-mile delivery by proposing an innovative solution employing Hub-and-Robots routing, strategically utilizing park-and-ride facilities as central hubs to optimize urban delivery operations. The increasing demand for rapid and efficient deliveries has necessitated a reevaluation of traditional delivery methodologies. The study focuses on optimizing last-mile delivery operations, minimizing the total distance of the routes traveled by robots, while satisfying customer requirements. Hub selection, leveraging existing infrastructure, and the potential use of park-and-ride facilities emerge as key considerations. The optimization model is applied to a case study involving two districts of the center of Bari (a city of Southern Italy) and a simulation validates the obtained results.