A model predictive approach for baggage handling systems

Abstract

This paper proposes a new strategy for control of baggage handling systems. Three main control issues in baggage handling systems, namely, routing and scheduling problem, empty-cart management, and line balancing, are identified and a combined control approach based on model predictive control is proposed to tackle these issues in an optimal way. It is shown that the control approach can be formulated as a linear programming problem that can be solved efficiently, and hence can be extended to large-scale baggage handling systems. The applicability and performance of the proposed approach is illustrated by a case study.