A multi-objective optimisation study for the design of an AVS/RS warehouse

This paper deals with a hierarchical solution approach for multi-objective optimisation of an autonomous vehicle-based storage and retrieval system (AVS/RS) warehouse design. As a result of recent technological and Industry 4.0 developments, industries tend to automise their facilities using systems such as AVS/RS, an intra-logistics system, mostly utilised by large distribution centres. Compared to a traditional crane-based automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS), these systems are more advantageous for having a flexible travel pattern of autonomous vehicles, enabling the designer vary the number of vehicles in the system based on the changed demand environment. Since it may affect the initial and operational costs as well as the system efficiency significantly, it is important to decide on the right warehouse design at first for these systems. In this paper, a multi-objective optimisation solution procedure under a hierarchical approach for the design of an AVS/RS, by considering minimisation of two conflicting performance measures - average cycle time and average energy consumption per transaction - is presented. By this work, it is also aimed to attract the attention of practitioners for the significance of multi-objective performance optimisation. For the multi-objective optimisation, Pareto-optimal solutions are presented.