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About

Sonja Otten is a researcher specializing in operations research and queueing theory, with a particular focus on optimizing robotic mobile fulfilment systems (RMFS) used in modern warehouses. Her major contributions center on developing analytical approximations for semi-open queueing networks (SOQNs), which model the complex interactions between robots and order arrivals in automated fulfilment centers. Otten’s most cited work, "Analysis of semi-open queueing networks using lost customers approximation with an application to robotic mobile fulfilment systems" (2021, 16 citations), introduces a novel lost-customers approximation technique that significantly improves the tractability of these networks. She further advanced this methodology in a 2019 paper (3 citations) by incorporating backordering, enabling system designers to minimize robot fleets while maintaining service levels. Her latest research (2024) explores the introduction of Combi-Stations in RMFS, demonstrating how queueing theory can drive efficiency gains in next-generation warehouse layouts. Otten’s work bridges theoretical queueing models with practical industrial applications, providing warehouse operators with powerful tools to balance robot investment against throughput performance. Her research is particularly valuable for students and practitioners in supply chain analytics, stochastic modeling, and automation system design.