Abstract

The palletization problem involves interlocking boxes on a pallet. There are two approaches dealing with the solution to this problem: mathematical and heuristic. Three models are proposed in the thesis. Model 1 is an Integer Linear Programming (ILP) model dealing with boxes with different lengths and widths but same height. Model 2 provides systematic procedures for 3D palletization problems by combining the ILP Model 1 and rules of thumb. Model 3 employs a heuristic, in which the main emphasis is on the random sequence of boxes. All three models are capable of performing multi-layer palletization. The pallet utilization, Work-In-Process (WIP), loading stability and palletization time are used as performance measures. Model 3 is implemented in a physical Robotic Palletization System (RPS) through a "C" program which integrates the subsystems consisting of a vision, a conveyor and a robot.