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Intelligent Autonomous Vehicles in digital supply chains: A framework for integrating innovations towards sustainable value networks

Published version
Peer-reviewed

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Authors

Bechtsis, D 
Vlachos, D 
Srai, JS 

Abstract

The principal objective of this research is to provide a framework that captures the main software architecture elements for developing highly customized simulation tools that support the effective integration of Intelligent Autonomous Vehicles (IAVs) in sustainable supply networks, as an emerging field in the operations management agenda. To that end, the study's contribution is fourfold including: (i) a review of software simulation tools and platforms used in assessing the performance of IAVs interlinked with sustainability ramifications in supply chain (SC) ecosystems, (ii) an integrated software framework for monitoring and assessing the sustainability performance of SCs defined by the utilisation of innovative IAVs in operations, (iii) a translation of the proposed SC framework into a corresponding software application through a robust five-stage stepwise process, and (iv) a demonstration of the developed software tool through its application on the case of an IAV system operating in a customisable warehouse model. Our analysis highlights the flexibility resulting from a decentralised software management architecture, thus enabling the dynamic reconfiguration of a SC network. In addition, the developed pilot simulation tool can assist operations managers in capturing the operational needs of facilities and assessing the performance of IAV systems while considering sustainability parameters.

Description

Keywords

Digital supply chains, Intelligent Autonomous Vehicles, Simulation software framework, Simulation tool, Innovation, Sustainability, Mobile industrial robots

Journal Title

Journal of Cleaner Production

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0959-6526
1879-1786

Volume Title

181

Publisher

Elsevier BV
Sponsorship
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/K02888X/1)
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BB/P027970/1)