A Robust Optimization-Based Approach for an Integrated Truck-Drone Emergency Resource Distribution System
The primary objective of this project is to develop and validate an integrated truck-drone coordination system that enhances emergency resource distribution through advanced optimization modeling and simulation. This system aims to improve delivery speed, service coverage, and operational efficiency during crisis situations. This project seeks to address the challenges of disrupted transportation networks, uncertainty in demand locations, and inefficiencies in last-mile delivery during natural disasters. The primary stakeholders in this study include disaster relief agencies, emergency response teams, local government bodies, and logistics companies involved in post-disaster supply distribution. Efficient and adaptive delivery systems are crucial for these stakeholders, as traditional transportation methods often become inoperable due to damaged infrastructure limiting accessibility. This proposal is about formulating multi-objective optimization models to coordinate multiple trucks and drones for emergence resource allocation. In such a coordination system, trucks can be used as depots, and drones can be used as delivery tools. To use drones beyond the last mile delivery, coordination points will be added between truck and customer locations. At such coordination points, drones may charge or exchange packages with other drones for longer delivery trips. Therefore, the research involves planning coordination points; coordinating delivery schedules; managing hand-offs between trucks and drones and between drones; and coordinating routes, altitudes, and timing for all active drones. The proposed model will improve emergency response efficiency and resilience during adverse conditions. The research team involves faculty members and students working in collaboration with North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) stakeholders.
Language
- English
Project
- Status: Active
- Funding: $90,000.00
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Contract Numbers:
69A3552348338
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Sponsor Organizations:
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
University Transportation Centers Program
Department of Transportation
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Managing Organizations:
Center for Freight Transportation for Efficient and Resilient Supply Chain
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Knoxville, TN United States 37996 -
Project Managers:
Bruner, Britain
Kaplan, Marcella
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Performing Organizations:
North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro
Department of Civil Engineering
Greensboro, NC United States 27411- -
Principal Investigators:
Jiang, Steven
Yadav, Om
Nguyen, Hieu
- Start Date: 20250901
- Expected Completion Date: 20260831
- Actual Completion Date: 0
- USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Drones; Emergency transportation; First mile and last mile; Multimodal transportation; Optimization; Trucks
- Geographic Terms: North Carolina
- Subject Areas: Freight Transportation; Planning and Forecasting;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01984385
- Record Type: Research project
- Source Agency: Center for Freight Transportation for Efficient and Resilient Supply Chain
- Contract Numbers: 69A3552348338
- Files: UTC, RIP
- Created Date: Mar 25 2026 5:23PM