An innovative framework integrating MILP and a parallel optimal algorithm for UAV-Enabled last-Mile delivery
International Journal of Production Research, vol.64, no.3, pp.777-797, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 64 Issue: 3
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1080/00207543.2025.2557530
- Journal Name: International Journal of Production Research
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, ABI/INFORM, Aerospace Database, Business Source Elite, Business Source Premier, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, INSPEC, Metadex, zbMATH, Civil Engineering Abstracts
- Page Numbers: pp.777-797
- Keywords: combinatorial optimisation, integer programming, last mile delivery, Logistics, unmanned aerial vehicles
- Open Archive Collection: Article
- Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC) Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Urban last-mile delivery faces scalability, cost, and environmental challenges due to truck-based systems’ congestion and emissions. This study proposes a Customer-Centric UAV Last-Mile Delivery (CULMD) framework, eliminating truck dependency by optimising UAV routing, charging infrastructure, and sequencing for sustainable urban logistics. We introduce the Parallel Optimal Algorithm with MILP (POAM), a novel approach that decomposes the problem into two sub-problems: parallelised exact combinatorial optimisation for tour and parcel allocation, and MILP-based routing. POAM leverages multi-core CPU parallelisation to solve tour allocation across multiple regions and delivery windows concurrently, ensuring global optimality while reducing runtime by 21.5% compared to the Two-Stage Model (TSM) and 16-fold compared to the Integrated Model (IM). It outperforms metaheuristics like the Artificial Lemming Algorithm (ALA) and Hybrid Genetic Algorithm with Type-Aware Chromosomes (HGATAC+) by 12% and 11% in objective value, respectively. Sensitivity analyses show a 20% increase in regions cuts runtime by 68%, and a 20% increase in UAV load capacity reduces it by 22%. The CULMD framework, powered by POAM, advances sustainable logistics by minimising costs and environmental impacts, offering scalable solutions for urban delivery systems.