Modeling and Analysis of a Queuing Network in a Material Handling System with Multi-floor Automated Guided Vehicles

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1007-7375.2023.06.011

Abstract

Abstract: For a material handling system with multiple automated guided vehicles, its characteristics of multi-layer and random paths should be emphasized. Firstly, multiple scenarios are defined and their probabilities are calculated according to the possible dwell points, transportation paths and task types of automated guided vehicles. Secondly, the service time and distribution types of task nodes are described by the two-moment approximation method, and a hybrid queuing network model is proposed to analyze multiple system performance indicators, which is approximately solved by an iterative algorithm. Finally, a 3D simulation experimental platform is designed to verify the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method. Comparing and analyzing the solution results obtained by different methods, the conclusion can provide optimization suggestions in terms of resource allocation and path planning for designers of such logistics systems.

Key words: multi-floor shop, automated guided vehicle (AGV), queuing network, 3D simulation

CLC Number:

TP391

LIU Xiaopeng, CHEN Xuanrui, LIN Jun, CHEN Qingxin, MAO Ning, ZHANG Huiyu. Modeling and Analysis of a Queuing Network in a Material Handling System with Multi-floor Automated Guided Vehicles[J]. Industrial Engineering Journal, 2023, 26(6): 101-108.

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