Dealing with the truck-drone routing problem (TDRP) as a bilevel and multi-objective optimization in a 6G assisted environment

• Grant number: 24/14328-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Fernando José von Zuben
• Grantee: Heictor Alves de Oliveira Costa
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Elétrica e de Computação (FEEC). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Company: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Faculdade de Engenharia Elétrica e de Computação (FEEC)
• Associated research grant: 21/00199-8 - SMART NEtworks and ServiceS for 2030 (SMARTNESS), AP.PCPE

Abstract

Drones collaborating with trucks to perform varied tasks characterize the truck-drone routing problem (TDRP). In the TDRP with multiple trucks, also referred to as the vehicle routing problem with drones (VRPD), there is a fleet of trucks each of which carries a certain number of drones. The TDRP is interpreted here as a multi-objective optimization problem and is going to be formulated as a bilevel optimization, thus admitting a hybrid solution strategy that will resort to dynamic programming and a multi-objective deterministic solver called NISE (Noninferior Set Estimation). The logistics applications stand out, such as parcels distribution/delivery, collecting information, and surveillance, but the case studies will be defined together with the SMARTNESS multi-drone group and the Ericsson team. The fleet of trucks and the associated drones should work in coordination in a cooperative environment endowed with a 6G assisted technology.