Abstract: To address the load imbalance in the road network that occurs during the deployment of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) in express distribution center, a multi-objective hierarchical model that considers load balancing is developed. The model is pre-processed using the A* algorithm, which considers the cost of turning. Based on this, the nodal load cost is introduced. Then, to complete the optimization of the drop point layout, a hybrid genetic algorithm is used with the optimization objectives of minimizing the path cost and maximizing the load balance. The load cost is added to the improved A* algorithm as part of the fitness function to obtain the fitness function value. Finally, simulation experiments were conducted in a raster map. The results show that the model can effectively balance the load of the road network by optimizing the layout of courier distribution center drop-off points and achieve good load balance.

Key words: express distribution center, AGV, road network load balancing, layout optimization, genetic algorithm