A BRKGA + LKH + ILS-RVND Hybrid Algorithm for the Vehicle Routing Problem with Fractional Deliveries and Drones

The Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) is widely studied in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Operations Research, and related areas. New variants of the problem have emerged, one of which is the Split Delivery Vehicle Routing Problem (SDVRP), which enables cost reductions in the VRP. With the advancement of drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the VRP has gained significant advantages in cost and time performance. This work addresses the Split Delivery Vehicle Routing Problem with Drones for goods delivery through truck-drone cooperation, applying a hybrid approach that integrates the BRKGA, LKH, and ILS-RVND algorithms. The application of this approach proves promising in solving literature instances, achieving superior results in 6 out of 11 instances compared to previous studies, alongside a significant cost reduction close to 50% compared to the scenario without drones.