Optimization of Truck-drone Collaborative Distribution Route Considering Impact of Epidemic

Against the backdrop of the epidemic spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a new mode of "truck-drone" collaborative distribution to carry out logistical distribution in areas with relatively serious epidemic conditions is proposed, along with further study of the value of this mode of distribution. Considering factors such as the maximum flight time, load, and road conditions of the UAV, this paper divides customers into three categories: customers who can only be served by trucks (truck-only customers), customers who can only be served by UAVs (UAV-only customers), and customers who can be served by both trucks and UAVs (flexible customers). We established a mathematical model in which vehicles and UAVs cooperated to provide distribution services for customers, with the objective of minimizing the total service time of the vehicles. A hybrid neighborhood search algorithm embedded with a simple heuristic algorithm was designed. The effectiveness of the algorithm was verified using the computing time for examples of different scales and the volatility of various operational solutions. Through an analysis of the different combinations of TSP algorithm and neighborhood search operator, an optimal combination was found, and then a sensitivity analysis of the UAV maximum flight time and UAV flight speed and load factors was carried out. The effectiveness of the algorithm was verified by the calculation results. It was found that the quality of the TSP algorithm directly affects the quality of the solution obtained by the neighborhood search operation, and a good distribution scheme can be found by implementing an efficient algorithm. The better the endurance of the UAV, the smaller the objective function. The greater the influence of the UAV's flight speed and load, the more service time needed for distribution. The distribution service efficiency can be improved by selecting UAVs that have high endurance and a small impact on flight speed by load. The research results of this study provide guidance and reference values for the application of UAVs in urban logistics distribution systems during major disasters and special circumstances. © 2020, Editorial Department of China Journal of Highway and Transport. All right reserved.