A Queueing Network Based Consultation Tool for Interconnected Warehouse Automation Processes

Demo Abstract-Neither inaccurate empirical methods nor time consuming simulations would meet the growing demands of providing fast optimization for the Robotic Mobile Fulfilment System (RMFS). In this demonstration, we introduce a rapid yet accurate consultation tool for tailored RMFS, leveraging queueing theory to expedite steady-state performance prediction and optimize resource specifications to such interconnected au-tomation processes. We construct a novel shared token multi-class semi-open queueing network based on multiple stages of the system's operation processes which encompasses various order properties. Optimal system parameter combinations including the number of required robots, the number of picking stations, the number of charging station can be instantly computed. Numerical results benchmarked against simulation-based method demonstrates that the estimated steady-state performance derived from the queueing network achieves over 95 % accuracy. Additionally, computation time is reduced by more than 10, 000 times in the testing scenario.