A Novel Approach for Scheduling Rescue Robot Mission Using Decision Analysis

Authors: Rana Soltani-Zarrin, Sohrab Khanmohammadi

Abstract:

In this paper, a new method for multi criteria decision making is represented whichspecifies a trajectory satisfying desired criteria including minimization of time. A rescue robot is defined to perform certain tasks before the arrival of rescue team, including evaluation of the probability of explosion in the area, detecting human-beings, and providing preliminary aidsin case of identifying signs of life, so that the security of the surroundings will have enhanced significantly for the individuals inside the disaster zone as well as the rescue team. The main idea behind our technique is using the Program Evaluation and Review Technique analysis along with Critical Path Method and use the Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) method to decidewhich set of activities must be performed first. Since the disastrous event in one area may be well contagious to others, it is one of the robot's priorities to evaluate the relative adversity of the situation, using the above methods and prioritize its mission.

Keywords: PERT, CPM, MCDM.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1093776

References:

[1] Julio C. Martinez, Photios G. Ioannou2, "State-Based Probabilistic Scheduling Using STROBOSCOPE’sCPM Add-On" , Proceedings, Construction Congress V, ASCEStuart D. Anderson,ed
[2] Sohrab Khanmohammadi, "A New Approach for Predicting Project Duration Using Beta Shape Membership Functions and Simulation.” Proc. of The 40th International Conference on Computers & Industrial Engineering, pp. 1179-1183, July 2010.
[3] S. Mubarak, "The Critical Path Method (CPM) in Construction Project Scheduling and Control”, 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, NJ, 2010, Chapter 4.
[4] M. Lu, H. Li, " Resource-Activity Critical-Path Method for ConstructionPlanning”, Journal of Construction Engineering And Management, pp. 412- 420, 2003.
[5] M. Sniedovich, "Towards an AoA-Free Courseware forthe Critical Path Method”, INFORMS Transactions on Education, Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 47–63, January 2005.
[6] B. Nagy, "Using the Critical Task Method with the Critical Path Method”, Proc. of the 30th Annual Project Management Institute 1999 Seminars & Symposium, Philadelphia, 1999.
[7] W. Cass, J. McElroy, "The use of Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) in the design and control of a medical research project, Journal of Computers and Biomedical Research, Vol. 2, No. 2, PP. 176- 186. October 1968.
[8] W. Power,"Program evaluation and review technique”, University of Mississippi Digital Accounting Collection, 1962.
[9] J. Pfeiffer, J. Jones, "An Introduction to PERT”, The 1972 Annual Handbook for Group Facilitator, San Diego, CA: Pfeiffer & Company, 1972.
[10] "Practical Optimization: a Gentle Introduction”, John W. Chinneck, Ch. 11, 2009.
[11] T. Healy, "Activity Subdivision and PERT Probability Statements”, Journal of Operations Research, Vol. 9, No. 3, pp. 341-348, June 1961.
[12] C. Xiang, W. Yue, "Program Evaluation and Review Technique Based on Moment Generating Function and its Application in Software Engineering”, Proc. of IEEE World Congress on Software Engineering, pp. 49-52, 2009.
[13] P. Randolph, R. Ringeisen, "A network learning model with GERT analysis”, Journal of Mathematical Psychology, Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 59-70, Feb 1974.
[14] G. Cates, "Improving Project Management with Simulation and Completion Distribution Functions”, PhD dissertation, University of Central Florida, Orlando, 2004.
[15] M. Li, "A Robust Planning and Control Methodology for Design-Build Fast-Track Civil Engineering and Architectural Projects”, Master of Science thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Feb 1999.