Routing automated guided vehicles in the presence of interruptions

In this paper we consider the problem of routing automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in the presence of interruptions. The importance of the work stems from the realization that path-planning approaches that are studied in the academic literature are ill-suited to situations where vehicle interruptions are possible. We analyse, via simulation, re-routing of AGVs that encounter interruptions. A route database is used to obtain quickly previously generated paths and a flexible re-routing strategy is used when an AGV is interrupted. A factorial-designed simulation experiment is conducted in a realistic setting, based on data collected at a large manufacturing facility. Recommendations are made on important practical considerations for routing AGVs in such an environment.