Applying Clustering Methods to Develop an Optimal Storage Location Planning-Based Consolidated Picking Methodology for Driving the Smart Manufacturing of Wireless Modules

Picking operations is the most time-consuming and laborious warehousing activity. Managers have been seeking smart manufacturing methods to increase picking efficiency. Because storage location planning profoundly affects the efficiency of picking operations, this study uses clustering methods to propose an optimal storage location planning-based consolidated picking methodology for driving the smart manufacturing of wireless modules. Firstly, based on the requirements of components derived by the customer orders, this research analyzes the storage space demands for these components. Next, this research uses the data of the received dates and the pick-up dates for these components to calculate the average duration of stay (DoS) values. Using the DoS values and the storage space demands, this paper executes the analysis of optimal storage location planning to decide the optimal storage location of each component. In accordance with the optimal storage location, this research can evaluate the similarity among the picking lists and then separately applies hierarchical clustering and K-means clustering to formulate the optimal consolidated picking strategy. Finally, the proposed method was verified by using the real case of company H. The result shows that the travel time and the distance for the picking operation can be diminished drastically.

Online Foot Location Planning for Gait Transitioning Using Model Predictive Control

This paper proposes an online uniform foot location planning method (UPMPC) based on model predictive control (MPC) for solving the problem of large posture changes during gait transitioning. This method converts the foot location planning into a discrete-time MPC problem. The core part of the method is to complete the planning of the foot location based on the linear inverted pendulum (LIP) model and the simplified robot dynamics model. By unifying the input foot location at each time step, the solution time is shortened. The final simulation experiment compares the results of using the UPMPC and foot location planning method with heuristic function (HF) for gait transitioning, respectively. This result demonstrates that the UPMPC can complete the gait transitioning task and adapt to large changes in posture during gait transitioning. In addition, the results also show the good performance of UPMPC in fixed gait.

Brief review on spatial planning and its current relation with future studies

Purpose – The main objective of the review is to present a short text that serves as a brief introduction point for starters in the study of spatial planning, some of its main topics studied, and the association it has with future studies.Methodology/approach – This review analyzed several high-impact articles about spatial planning. To achieve this, an in-depth review of the literature that involves the issues of spatial planning and future studies was carried out.Originality/value – There is a lack of introductory information in the study of spatial planning and futures studies. This text aims to create a summary that may help future researchers to be introduced in these areas of knowledge. The texts also address different perspectives regarding these two topics.Findings – The concept of planning is analyzed. The relationship that maintains future planning and studies is then established. Subsequently, the main discussions from the academy regarding these two topics are presented.Theoretical/methodological contributions – Planning and spatial planning are systematic processes focused on solving a problem. Spatial planning aims to improve the physical conditions of a certain location. Planning and future studies have been closely related, with ups and downs; in contemporary times these ties have been strengthened, helping to solve complex and turbulent problems. Different points are presented from which spatial planning can be approached, depending on the diversity of contexts.