Award-winning logistics optimization concept using "ant system" is part of the presentation program at "Computational World 2012"
The Computational World 2012 international conference took place between 22 and 27 July. University professors and students from all over the world gathered in Nice to present their research findings in fields such as cloud computing, future computing and service computation. Among those taking part was Christopher Blöcker from international consulting and software specialist Implico. A graduate of the University of Applied Sciences in Wedel, he presented his bachelor's thesis. The project, which has already been selected for two awards, explored and developed the concept of dynamically optimized delivery routes.
The full title of his bachelor's thesis is "Design and implementation of dynamic routing using an ant system." An "ant system" is a metaheuristic approach to solving discrete optimization problems. With support from Implico, Christopher Blöcker undertook research into the dynamic route optimization of oil and gas deliveries to end users. These routes have to be continually updated to account for non-predictable occurrences such as traffic jams, short-notice changes in delivery quantities and vehicle breakdowns. The additional costs incurred are kept as low as possible in order to maintain an optimal operating performance.
Award winning
Christopher Blöcker's thesis has already received two awards. The first, from the Wedeler Hochschulbund e.V. in September 2011, was for the best thesis in the field of computer science. The Hochschulbund (university-industry alliance) presents this special award twice a year. Christopher is also one of the winners of the "Wedeler Innovationspreis", a prize for innovation. Awarded for the first time in March 2012, the prize was sponsored by the Rotary Club in Wedel.
"A fantastic experience"
It is thanks to these awards that the organizers of "Computational World 2012" became aware of Christopher Blöcker and invited him to present a paper. The conference, whose full title is the "International Conference on Computational Logics, Algebras, Programming, Tools and Benchmarking," was held this year for the third time. Christopher Blöcker was thrilled with the experience. "It was fantastic presenting a paper at this conference and getting such positive feedback from the other participants."
More undergraduate trainees required
Implico has been helping students from the University of Applied Sciences in Wedel to complete their bachelor and masters degrees since 2010. Five students have already taken advantage of the assistance available and all of them are still working for the company. Implico is happy to receive applications at any time.
Photo
Implico´s Christopher Blöcker presenting in Nice. © Implico
The full title of his bachelor's thesis is "Design and implementation of dynamic routing using an ant system." An "ant system" is a metaheuristic approach to solving discrete optimization problems. With support from Implico, Christopher Blöcker undertook research into the dynamic route optimization of oil and gas deliveries to end users. These routes have to be continually updated to account for non-predictable occurrences such as traffic jams, short-notice changes in delivery quantities and vehicle breakdowns. The additional costs incurred are kept as low as possible in order to maintain an optimal operating performance.