Continuum approximation models for joint delivery systems using trucks and drones |
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Authors: | Yushan Li Guangzhi Zhang Zhibo Pang |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Industrial Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China;2. ABB Corporate Research, Automation Networks, V?ster?s, Sweden |
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Abstract: | ABSTRACTThis research focuses on exploring the economics related to the joint delivery system using trucks and drones. Transportation distances and costs are approximated as simple functions using continuum approximation (CA) methods, which can keep key issues and tradeoffs in focus. The main contribution is to develop cost models using the derived methods and gain a greater understanding of delivery activities by focusing on the tradeoffs between major components, which are valuable for decision-makers: choose economical delivery mode based on customer density, partition service region into optimal sub-regions, and obtain an optimal delivery ratio between trucks and drones. |
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Keywords: | Joint delivery system drones trucks continuum approximation package delivery |
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