The Vehicle-Routing Problem with Satellites Utilization: A Systematic Review of the Literature

The Vehicle-Routing Problem (VRP) represents a critical challenge in logistics,
encompassing numerous variations, such as time window considerations, multi-depot
systems, two-echelon routing aspects, and Satellite Locations (SL). SLs are intermediate
facilities that support cross-docking, storage, and transshipment operations. However,
inconsistencies in defining “satellite” have hindered precise research and implementation.
This study presents a systematic review of the use of satellites for VRP, employing the
PRISMA methodology to ensure a comprehensive and reproducible analysis. The findings
indicate that about 50% of the reviewed papers include a path-splitting variant. At the same
time, there is a notable gap in addressing random demands and pickup and delivery within
cross-docking environments. A major limitation is the lack of a well-known public dataset,
as about 50% of the datasets are created or adapted for specific studies. Additionally, the
analysis reveals significant gaps in dataset standardization and the integration of dynamic
routing under uncertainty. These findings underscore the potential of satellite-based
systems to optimize urban logistics and supply chains while pointing to critical avenues
for future research.