Hybrid artificial intelligence approaches on vehicle routing problem in logistics distribution

Abstract

Biological intelligence for modelling and optimization on vehicle routing problem of logistics distribution and supply chain management systems are presented in this paper. Logistics distribution is adaptive, dynamic, and open self-organizing system, which is maintained by flows of information, materials, goods, funds, and energy. The aim of this research is to summarize different individual bio-inspired methods, evolutionary computing, genetic algorithm, ant colony optimization, artificial immune systems, and to obtain power extension of these hybrid approaches. In general, these bio-inspired hybrid approaches are more competitive than the classical problem-solving methodology including improvement heuristics methods or individual bio-inspired methods and their solutions in logistics distribution and supply chain management applications. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.