Task Scheduling and Routing Optimization for AGVs Based on Intelligent Multi-Agent Technologies in Tobacco AS/RS

Based on the advantages of multi-agent technology, a method about task scheduling and routing optimization for Automated Guided Vehicles(AGVs) in tobacco automated storage and retrieval system(AS/RS) has been put forward. It is composed of four kinds of agents such as AGVs, scheduling, material manager and traffic controller agents. The strategies for task scheduling and minimum routing optimizing of AGVs have been presented. In QUEST simulation environment, a case model for the logistics system on tobacco raw material storehouse in Jinan General Tobacco Corp.(JGTC) has been researched. Simulation results indicate that this method can improve the efficiencies of storing and retrieving, and reduce the travel length of AGVs in unit time. It also can provide a optimal solving approach in other logistics systems.