Integration of Load Carriers in a Decentralized Routing Concept for Transport Logistics Networks

In the field of transport logistics, the planning of routes is usually executed centrally. However, current trends in transport logistics exhibit higher degrees of dynamics and complexity. Central algorithms are not adequate in handling these new challenges. Therefore, new solutions are required. Within this context, the Distributed Logistics Routing Protocol (DLRP) for the autonomous and decentralized routing in transport logistic networks has been developed. In previous work, two types of logistic entities have been integrated within the DLRP, transport vehicles and transport goods. In order to evaluate the performance of the DLRP in scenarios, which are closer to reality, load carriers are integrated into the DLRP as a new type of logistic entities. Load carriers can be applied as supporting components for the transport of goods. Within this work, the concept of the integration of load carriers is presented. Furthermore, the influences of the integration are investigated. For that, different scenarios are generated, which enable the comparison with simulations without integrated load carriers. Key-Words: Autonomous control Distributed logistics routing protocol (DLRP) – Transport logistics – Routing algorithm – Load carriers