Title
A Framework for Adopting Drones to a Logistics Cargo Operator Network
Author
van Driel, Martin (TU Delft Aerospace Engineering)
Contributor
Santos, Bruno F. (graduation committee) 
Li, L. (graduation committee)
Ragni, D. (mentor)
Roling, P.C. (graduation committee)
Sareen, A. (graduation committee)
Degree granting institution
Delft University of Technology
Programme
Aerospace Engineering
Date
2021-05-07
Abstract
City logistics concern solutions in package movements that face challenges in rapid growth in demand for home deliveries, congestion, and expectations from consumers for sustainable solutions. Providing last mile delivery services with drones is considered a promising solution in literature as a response to the raising challenges in urban areas. In this paper, we propose an innovative framework that allows a logistics operator to design a last mile delivery network. The Network Design Model contains two parts. First, a binary integer linear programming model is presented, allowing the operator to find the optimal location of intermediate facilities. It is a flow model that uses pre-located facilities. Secondly, a sequential framework is presented that considers Facility Assignment, Knapsack Problem, Traveling Salesman Problem, and Vehicle Assignment. The Network Design Model aims to minimize the operating costs measured in delivery duration, vehicle ground time, and number of not-delivered packages. A Monte Carlo Simulation is formulated to assess the impact risk factors, uncertainties, and variation in key network design attributes have on the performance of the network.
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:87f1d7f2-4877-4969-8c75-5cf8efdf813a
Embargo date
2026-04-27
Part of collection
Student theses
Document type
master thesis
Rights
© 2021 Martin van Driel