Automated Loading and Unloading Operations: A Systematic Review
Paper in proceeding, 2023
Material handling has witnessed changes with automations occurring in the transport sector.
The increasing implementation of autonomous trucks lays questions on the loading and
unloading operations that the conventional truck driver used to perform. Loading and unloading
operations interface warehouses and transportation. Conventionally characterised by the
manual operating nature causing inefficiencies and discontinuities, automated loading and
unloading (ALUL) benefit by enhancing workflows, improves performance, and reduces
losses. Despite these benefits, research on ALUL is minimal. This article i) details focus of
ALUL systems in research, ii) indicates adopted evaluation indicators and iii) highlights key
enablers and impediments witnessed during implementation.
Methodology
Developments are assessed by carrying out a systematic literature review including published
literature, technical articles etc. Review is initiated by identifying appropriate keywords,
coupled with Boolean operators, to retrieve literature from scientific databases.
Findings
Research on LUL reveal a classified research focus on perception systems, manipulators, and
general solution type. Operating time was identified to be a commonly evaluated performance
parameter despite research revealing diverse parameters. The review highlights i) variable
loading and unloading methods with changing good types. ii) Complexities in identifying and
manipulating goods. iii) Frequent human involvement, and iv) high implementation costs and
associated infrastructural modifications to influence implementation despite many enablers
supporting the implementation of this technology. Despite the above issues, commercial
solutions with varied degrees of automation are available and are listed in this article.
Practical implications
ALUL systems are described comprehensively providing a detailed representation of existing
knowledge regarding ALUL, making selection easier for interested industries and guiding them
through the transformation process.
Originality
Research aids in determining function-specific systems enabling a detailed understanding of
ALUL systems.
Material handling
Automation
Loading
Performance.
Unloading
Author
Farook Abdullah Sultan
Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Supply and Operations Management
Robin Hanson
Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Supply and Operations Management
Dan Andersson
Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Service Management and Logistics
Mats Johansson
Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Supply and Operations Management
Tarun Agrawal
Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Supply and Operations Management
Gunnar Stefansson
Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Service Management and Logistics
Konstantina Katsela
University of Gothenburg
Michael Browne
University of Gothenburg
Sai Rohan Gowtham Kodati
Chalmers
Helsinki, Finland,
SCALE
Swedish Energy Agency (52390-1), 2021-12-01 -- 2024-10-31.
Subject Categories
Mechanical Engineering
Areas of Advance
Transport