Energies, Vol. 18, Pages 5625: Energy-Efficient Last-Mile Logistics Using Resistive Grid Path Planning Methodology (RGPPM)
Energies doi: 10.3390/en18215625
Authors:
Carlos Hernández-Mejía
Delia Torres-Muñoz
Carolina Maldonado-Méndez
Sergio Hernández-Méndez
Everardo Inzunza-González
Carlos Sánchez-López
Enrique Efrén García-Guerrero
Last-mile logistics is a critical operational and environmental challenge in urban areas. This paper introduces an intelligent path planning system using the Resistive Grid Path Planning Methodology (RGPPM) to optimize distribution based on energy and environmental metrics. The foundational innovation is the integration of electrical-circuit analogies, modeling the distribution network as a resistive grid where optimal routes emerge naturally as current flows, offering a paradigm shift from conventional algorithms. Using a multi-connected grid with georeferenced resistances, RGPPM estimates minimum and maximum paths for various starting points and multi-agent scenarios. We introduce five key performance indicators (KPIs)—Percentage of Distance Savings (PDS), Coefficient of Savings (CS), Coefficient of Global Savings (CGS), Percentage of Load Imbalance (PLI), and Percentage of Deviation with Multi-Agent (PDM)—to evaluate system performance. Simulations for textbook delivery to 129 schools in the Veracruz–Boca del Río area show that RGPPM significantly reduces travel distances. This leads to substantial savings in energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and operating costs, particularly with electric vehicles. Finally, the results validate RGPPM as a flexible and scalable strategy for sustainable urban logistics.