Integration of AI and Operational Research OR techniques for computer-aided algorithmic design in the vehicle routing domain

This paper shows how tools and techniques of artificial intelligence can be successfully integrated into a computer system working in the vehicle routing domain. The aim of this system, called ALTO, is to facilitate the development of routing algorithms for transportation vehicles. In this paper, the authors describe the general algorithmic framework and the rich interface provided by the system to the expert algorithm designer. They also introduce a methodology for acquiring useful knowledge in the domain, based on examples of successful and unsuccessful problem-solving strategies. With such knowledge, ALTO would then be capable of actively supporting the algorithm designer by suggesting good candidate algorithms for solving new problems.