Optimization of the Loading Sequence of Goods on Pallets

In the paper the capability of using a robot to pack goods on pallets is analyzed. If the goods have different dimensions, the sequence in which they are loaded is important. First, in order to place the goods on a partially loaded pallet, the robot must have free access to their location, i.e. the location must not be covered. Second, the way in which the next goods to be packed are selected can affect the time it takes to load a pallet, since it can take more or less time to deliver individual goods from the warehouse. This paper presents a method for determining the order in which goods should be placed on a pallet by a robot, taking into account both of these considerations. The proposed algorithm uses the graph model representing a pallet packing.