Work

Designing a virtual warehouse operator integrating fatigue, recovery, and learning using agent-based modeling

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study proposes a virtual agent using agent-based modeling to simulate operators’ behavior and sensitivity to their environment. The goal was to develop and calibrate a human-like agent that can be used for future work in distribution center environments using agent-based simulation. By developing a human-like agent, productivity and accuracy were analyzed by considering various environmental control variables. The methodology involved selecting relevant factors, researching mathematical models, collecting data, calibrating and validating the models, and developing a simulation model. The results of the simulation model analyzed the impact of changes in schedules, experience level, task intensity, rest quality, and layout on operator productivity and accuracy. The findings revealed that fatigue and experience significantly influence operators, with factors such as task intensity, rest quality, layout, and schedules affecting their performance. The results used data collected from a real distribution center operation of a Portuguese retailer.

Source: IFAC-PapersOnLine

DOI: 10.1016/j.ifacol.2025.09.245

Authors: Régis Malpas, Susana Relvas

Institutions: University of Lisbon, Instituto Superior Técnico, Centro de Estudos de Gestão

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics Optimization

Subfield: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia