IDENTIFYING THE POTENTIAL OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE ROUTING FOR BLOOD DISTRIBUTION IN EMERGENCY REQUESTS

Janani DEWMINI


Department of Transport Management & Logistics Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka (Sri Lanka)
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4849-5079

W Madushan FERNANDO

madushanfernando69@gmail.com
University of Moratuwa (Sri Lanka)
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4505-980X

Izabela Iwa NIELSEN


Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark (Denmark)

Grzegorz BOCEWICZ


Faculty of Electronics and Computer Science, Koszalin University of Technology, 75-453 Koszalin, Poland (Poland)

Amila THIBBOTUWAWA


Center for Supply Chain, Operations and Logistics Optimization, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka (Sri Lanka)

Zbigniew BANASZAK


Faculty of Electronics and Computer Science, Koszalin University of Technology, 75-453 Koszalin, Poland (Poland)
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7219-3903

Abstract

This study is focusing on identifying the potential of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) routing for blood distribution in emergency requests in Sri Lanka compared to existing transportation modes. Capacitated Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Routing Problem was used as the methodology to find the optimal distribution plan between blood banks directing emergency requests. The developed UAV routing model was tested for different instances to compare the results. Finally, the proposed distribution process via UAVs was compared with the current distribution process for the objective function set up in the model and other Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) including energy consumption savings and operational cost savings. The average percentage of distribution time re-duction, energy consumption cost reduction, and operational cost per day reduction utilizing UAVs were determined to be 58.57%, 96.35%, and 61.20%, respectively, for the instances tested using the model highlighting the potential of UAVs. Therefore, the deficiencies in Sri Lanka's present blood delivery system can be addressed using UAVs' potential for time, cost, and energy savings. The ability to save time through the deployment of UAVs to the fleet during emergency situations plays a crucial role in preventing the loss of human lives.


Keywords:

unmanned aerial vehicle, vehicle routing problem, blood distribution, emergency requests

Al-Rabiaah, S., Hosny, M., & AlMuhaideb, S. (2022). A greedy heuristic based on optimizing battery consumption and routing distance for transporting blood using unmanned aerial vehicles. Electronics, 11(20), 3399. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics11203399
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics11203399   Google Scholar

Amukele, T., Ness, P. M., Tobian, A. A. R., Boyd, J., & Street, J. (2017). Drone transportation of blood products. Transfusion, 57(3), 582–588. https://doi.org/10.1111/trf.13900
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/trf.13900   Google Scholar

Auditor General's Department - Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (2021). Private Health Services Regulatory Council. http://www.auditorgeneral.gov.lk/web/images/audit-reports/upload/2021/state_corporation/2-v/Private-Health-Service-Regulatory-Council-E.pdf
  Google Scholar

Balasingam, M. (2017). Drones in medicine - The rise of the machines. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 71(9), e12989. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijcp.12989
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ijcp.12989   Google Scholar

Ceylon Petroleum Corporation. (2022). Pricing. https://ceypetco.gov.lk/marketing-sales/
  Google Scholar

Coelho, B. N., Coelho, V. N., Coelho, I. M., Ochi, L. S., Haghnazar, K. R., Zuidema, D., Lima, M. S. F., & da Costa, A. R. (2017). A multi-objective green UAV routing problem. Computers and Operations Research, 88, 306–315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cor.2017.04.011
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cor.2017.04.011   Google Scholar

Desaulniers, G., Madsen, O. B. G., & Ropke, S. (2014). Chapter 5: The vehicle routing problem with time windows. In P. Toth & D. Vigo (Eds.), Vehicle Routing (pp. 119–159). Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics. https://doi.org/10.1137/1.9781611973594.ch5
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1137/1.9781611973594.ch5   Google Scholar

Fernando, W. M., Thibbotuwawa, A., Perera, H. N., & Ratnayake, R. M. C. (2022). Close-Open mixed vehicle routing optimization model with multiple collecting centers to collect farmers’ perishable produce. 2022 International Conference for Advancement in Technology (ICONAT) (pp. 1–8). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICONAT53423.2022.9725977
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/ICONAT53423.2022.9725977   Google Scholar

Fernando, W. M., Thibbotuwawa, A., Perera, H. N., & Ratnayake, R. M. C. (2022). Applying a capacitated heterogeneous fleet vehicle routing problem with multiple depots model to optimize a retail chain distribution network. IEEE International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management (IEEM) (pp. 588–592). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/IEEM55944.2022.9989636
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/IEEM55944.2022.9989636   Google Scholar

Gunaratne, K., Thibbotuwawa, A., Vasegaard, A. E., Nielsen, P., & Perera, H. N. (2022). Unmanned aerial vehicle adaptation to facilitate healthcare supply chains in low-income countries. Drones, 6(11), 321. https://doi.org/10.3390/drones6110321
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/drones6110321   Google Scholar

Haidari, L. A., Brown, S. T., Ferguson, M., Bancroft, E., Spiker, M., Wilcox, A., Ambikapathi, R., Sampath, V., Connor, D. L., & Lee, B. Y. (2016). The economic and operational value of using drones to transport vaccines. Vaccine, 34(34), 4062–4067. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.06.022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.06.022   Google Scholar

Hess, J. J., & Greenberg, L. A. (2011). Fuel use in a large, dynamically deployed emergency medical services system. Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, 26(5), 394–398. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1049023X11006595
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1049023X11006595   Google Scholar

Homier, V., Brouard, D., Nolan, M., Roy, M. A., Pelletier, P., McDonald, M., de Champlain, F., Khalil, E., Grou-Boileau, F., & Fleet, R. (2021). Drone versus ground delivery of simulated blood products to an urban trauma center: The Montreal Medi-Drone pilot study. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 90(3), 515–521. https://doi.org/10.1097/TA.0000000000002961
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/TA.0000000000002961   Google Scholar

IEEE. (2016). Robots - Zipline. https://robotsguide.com/robots/zipline
  Google Scholar

Khoufi, I., Laouiti, A., & Adjih, C. (2019). A survey of recent extended variants of the traveling salesman and vehicle routing problems for unmanned aerial vehicles. Drones, 3(3), 66. https://doi.org/10.3390/drones3030066
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/drones3030066   Google Scholar

Perron, L. (2011). Google OR-Tools. https://developers.google.com/optimization/
  Google Scholar

Moshref-Javadi, M., & Winkenbach, M. (2021). Applications and Research avenues for drone-based models in logistics: A classification and review. Expert Systems with Applications, 177, 114854. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2021.114854
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2021.114854   Google Scholar

National Blood Transfusion Service of Sri Lanka (NBTS). (2021). Annual Statistics Report.
  Google Scholar

Niglio, F., Comite, P., Cannas, A., Pirri, A., & Tortora, G. (2022). Preliminary clinical validation of a drone-based delivery system in urban scenarios using a smart capsule for blood. Drones, 6(8), 195. https://doi.org/10.3390/drones6080195
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/drones6080195   Google Scholar

Nisingizwe, M. P., Ndishimye, P., Swaibu, K., Nshimiyimana, L., Karame, P., Dushimiyimana, V., Musabyimana, J. P., Musanabaganwa, C., Nsanzimana, S., & Law, M. R. (2022). Effect of unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) delivery on blood product delivery time and wastage in Rwanda: a retrospective, cross-sectional study and time series analysis. The Lancet Global Health, 10(4), e564–e569. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(22)00048-1
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(22)00048-1   Google Scholar

Nyaaba, A. A., & Ayamga, M. (2021). Intricacies of medical drones in healthcare delivery: Implications for Africa. Technology in Society, 66, 101624. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2021.101624
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2021.101624   Google Scholar

Ozkan, O. (2023). Multi-objective optimization of transporting blood products by routing UAVs: the case of Istanbul. International Transactions in Operational Research, 30(1), 302–327. https://doi.org/10.1111/itor.13109
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/itor.13109   Google Scholar

Rabta, B., Wankmüller, C., & Reiner, G. (2018). A drone fleet model for last-mile distribution in disaster relief operations. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 28, 107–112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2018.02.020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2018.02.020   Google Scholar

Radzki, G., Nielsen, P., Thibbotuwawa, A., Bocewicz, G., & Banaszak, Z. (2020). Declarative UAVs fleet mission planning: A dynamic VRP approach. In N. T. Nguyen, B. H. Hoang, C. P. Huynh, D. Hwang, B. Trawiński, & G. Vossen (Eds.), Computational Collective Intelligence (Vol. 12496, pp. 188–202). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-63007-2_15
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-63007-2_15   Google Scholar

Radzki, G., Thibbotuwawa, M., & Bocewicz, G. (2019). Uavs flight routes optimization in changing weather conditions-constraint programming approach. Applied Computer Science, 15(3), 5–20. https://doi.org/10.23743/acs-2019-17
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35784/acs-2019-17   Google Scholar

Roberts, A. (1977). The blood. Nursing Times, 74(37), Suppl. 13-6.
  Google Scholar

Sivakumar, M., & Naga Malleswari, T. Y. J. (2021). A literature survey of unmanned aerial vehicle usage for civil applications. Journal of Aerospace Technology and Management, 13. https://doi.org/10.1590/jatm.v13.1233
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/jatm.v13.1233   Google Scholar

Lanka Electricity Company (LECO). (2023). Tariff Plan. https://www.leco.lk/pages_e.php?id=86
  Google Scholar

Thibbotuwawa, A. (2019). Unmanned aerial vehicle fleet mission planning subject to changing weather conditions. Aalborg University Press.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app9193972   Google Scholar

Thibbotuwawa, A., Nielsen, P., Zbigniew, B., & Bocewicz, G. (2019a). Energy consumption in unmanned aerial vehicles: A review of energy consumption models and their relation to the UAV routing. In J. Świątek, L. Borzemski, & Z. Wilimowska (Eds.), Information Systems Architecture and Technology: Proceedings of 39th International Conference on Information Systems Architecture and Technology (ISAT 2018) (Vol. 853, pp. 173–184). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-99996-8_16
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-99996-8_16   Google Scholar

Thibbotuwawa, A., Nielsen, P., Zbigniew, B., & Bocewicz, G. (2019b). Factors affecting energy consumption of unmanned aerial vehicles: An analysis of how energy consumption changes in relation to UAV routing. In J. Świątek, L. Borzemski, & Z. Wilimowska (Eds.), Information Systems Architecture and Technology: Proceedings of 39th International Conference on Information Systems Architecture and Technology (ISAT 2018) (Vol. 853, pp. 228–238). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-99996-8_21
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-99996-8_21   Google Scholar

Thibbotuwawa, A., Bocewicz, G., Nielsen, P., & Banaszak, Z. (2020). Unmanned aerial vehicle routing problems: A literature review. Applied Sciences, 10(13), 4504. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10134504
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app10134504   Google Scholar

WageIndicator. (2023). Aircraft pilots and related associate professionals. https://salary.lk/job-and-career/sri-lanka-job-wage/sri-lanka-aircraft-pilots-and-related-associate-professionals
  Google Scholar

Wen, T., Zhang, Z., & Wong, K. K. L. (2016). Multi-objective algorithm for blood supply via unmanned aerial vehicles to the wounded in an emergency situation. PLoS ONE, 11(5), e0155176. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0155176
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0155176   Google Scholar

World Salaries. (2023). Average Ambulance Officer and Paramedic Salary in Sri Lanka for 2023. https://worldsalaries.com/average-ambulance-officer-and-paramedic-salary-in-sri-lanka/
  Google Scholar

Wright, C., Rupani, S., Nichols, K., Chandani, Y., & Machagge, M. (2018). What should you deliver by unmanned aerial systems: The role of geography, product, and UAS type in prioritizing deliveries by UAS. JSI Research & Training Institute.
  Google Scholar

Yafrani, M. E., Nielsen, P., Sung, I., & Thibbotuwawa, A. (2022). A data-driven approach for ranking entry and exit points in UAV-assisted firefighting missions. 2022 6th SLAAI International Conference on Artificial Intelligence (SLAAI-ICAI) (pp. 1–6). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/SLAAI-ICAI56923.2022.10002537
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/SLAAI-ICAI56923.2022.10002537   Google Scholar

Yakushiji, F., Yakushiji, K., Murata, M., Hiroi, N., Takeda, K., & Fujita, H. (2020). The quality of blood is not affected by drone transport: An evidential study of the unmanned aerial vehicle conveyance of transfusion material in Japan. Drones, 4(1), 4. https://doi.org/10.3390/drones4010004
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/drones4010004   Google Scholar

Yakushiji, K., Yakushiji, F., Yokochi, T., Murata, M., Nakahara, M., Hiroi, N., & Fujita, H. (2021). Quality control of red blood cell solutions for transfusion transported via drone flight to a remote island. Drones, 5(3), 96. https://doi.org/10.3390/drones5030096
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/drones5030096   Google Scholar

Zailani, M. A., Azma, R. Z., Aniza, I., Rahana, A. R., Ismail, M. S., Shahnaz, I. S., Chan, K. S., Jamaludin, M., & Mahdy, Z. A. (2021). Drone versus ambulance for blood products transportation: An economic evaluation study. BMC Health Services Research, 21, 1308. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-07321-3
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-07321-3   Google Scholar

Zhang, J., Campbell, J. F., Sweeney II, D. C., & Hupman, A. C. (2021). Energy consumption models for delivery drones: A comparison and assessment. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 90, 102668. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2020.102668
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2020.102668   Google Scholar

Zhang, M., Su, C., Liu, Y., Hu, M., & Zhu, Y. (2016). Unmanned aerial vehicle route planning in the presence of a threat environment based on a virtual globe platform. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 5(10), 184. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi5100184
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi5100184   Google Scholar

Download


Published
2023-12-31

Cited by

DEWMINI, J., FERNANDO, W. M., NIELSEN, I. I., BOCEWICZ, G., THIBBOTUWAWA, A., & BANASZAK, Z. (2023). IDENTIFYING THE POTENTIAL OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE ROUTING FOR BLOOD DISTRIBUTION IN EMERGENCY REQUESTS. Applied Computer Science, 19(4), 68–87. https://doi.org/10.35784/acs-2023-36

Authors

Janani DEWMINI 

Department of Transport Management & Logistics Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka Sri Lanka
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4849-5079

Authors

W Madushan FERNANDO 
madushanfernando69@gmail.com
University of Moratuwa Sri Lanka
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4505-980X

Authors

Izabela Iwa NIELSEN 

Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark Denmark

Authors

Grzegorz BOCEWICZ 

Faculty of Electronics and Computer Science, Koszalin University of Technology, 75-453 Koszalin, Poland Poland

Authors

Amila THIBBOTUWAWA 

Center for Supply Chain, Operations and Logistics Optimization, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka Sri Lanka

Authors

Zbigniew BANASZAK 

Faculty of Electronics and Computer Science, Koszalin University of Technology, 75-453 Koszalin, Poland Poland
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7219-3903

Statistics

Abstract views: 209
PDF downloads: 107


License

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

All articles published in Applied Computer Science are open-access and distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.


Similar Articles

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.