Using Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Location Problem of Drone Logistics Hub

Drone logistics is a novel method of distribution that will become prevalent. The advantageous location of the logistics hub enables quicker customer deliveries and lower fuel consumption, resulting in cost savings for the company’s transportation operations. Logistics firms must discern the ideal location for establishing a logistics hub, which is challenging due to the simplicity of existing models and the intricate delivery factors. To simulate the drone logistics environment, this study presents a new mathematical model. The model not only retains the aspects of the current models, but also considers the degree of transportation difficulty from the logistics hub to the village, the capacity of drones for transportation, and the distribution of logistics hub locations. Moreover, this paper proposes an improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm which is a diversity-based hybrid PSO (DHPSO) algorithm to solve this model. In DHPSO, the Gaussian random walk can enhance global search in the model space, while the bubble-net attacking strategy can speed convergence. Besides, Archimedes spiral strategy is employed to overcome the local optima trap in the model and improve the exploitation of the algorithm. DHPSO maintains a balance between exploration and exploitation while better defining the distribution of logistics hub locations Numerical experiments show that the newly proposed model always achieves better locations than the current model. Comparing DHPSO with other state-of-the-art intelligent algorithms, the efficiency of the scheme can be improved by 42.58%. This means that logistics companies can reduce distribution costs and consumers can enjoy a more enjoyable shopping experience by using DHPSO’s location selection. All the results show the location of the drone logistics hub is solved by DHPSO effectively.