A simulation study of mixed trucks and robots for last mile delivery

This paper introduces an approach to enhance the efficiency of last-mile delivery through trucks and robot transport. The primary objective is to alleviate traffic congestion by repurposing pedestrian sidewalks for robot transportation through autonomous vehicles, consequently optimizing the activities of trucks by eliminating the necessity for them to navigate through the city. In addressing this challenge, we formulate an optimization problem and apply it in a case study conducted in the city of Bari, Italy. The city is partitioned into distinct zones, served by a hub, where trucks arrive to unload goods to be delivered to final destinations. The issue is formulated as an optimization problem aimed at maximizing the daily number of deliveries. To assess the proposed solutions under more realistic conditions, we employ modelling and simulation techniques utilizing the Simulation of Urban Mobility (SUMO) software. These simulations consider the influence of road traffic, which has the potential to affect the overall efficiency of the delivery system. The analysis conducted revealed significant advantages of this innovative approach compared to the classical delivery system.