Drone-assisted deliveries: new formulations for the flying sidekick traveling salesman problem

In this paper we consider a problem related to deliveries assisted by an unmanned aerial vehicle, so-called drone. In particular we consider the Flying Sidekick Traveling Salesman Problem, in which a truck and a drone cooperate to deliver parcels to customers minimizing the completion time. In the following we improve the formulation found in the related literature. We propose three-indexed and two-indexed formulations and a set of inequalities that can be implemented in a branch-and-cut fashion. The methods that we propose are able to find the optimal solution for most of the literature instances. Moreover, we consider two versions of the problem: one in which the drone is allowed to wait at the customers, as in the literature, and one in which waiting is allowed only in flying mode. The solving methodologies are adapted to both versions and a comparison between the two is provided.

Automated summary

The paper addresses a problem related to drone-assisted deliveries, specifically focusing on the Flying Sidekick Traveling Salesman Problem. Improved formulations and solving methods are proposed, which can find optimal solutions for most instances. Two versions of the problem are considered, with methodologies adapted to both and a comparison provided.