Multi-Agent Pathfinding in Automatic Warehouses: An Overview After 15 Years of Research

Speaker:
Prof. Roni Stern
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel

Date: 3 December 2025
Time: 13:30–14:30 (GMT+3, Istanbul Time)
Platform: Online (Registration required)

📚 Abstract

Multi-Agent Path Finding (MAPF) has evolved from a theoretical combinatorial search problem into a foundational technology for real-world deployed systems. In this talk, Prof. Stern will focus on one such application: large-scale automated warehouses, where fleets of robots transport goods efficiently and safely.

The lecture will begin with the classical MAPF problem formulation, in which multiple agents navigate a shared space without collisions, followed by a concise review of key algorithmic approaches to solving it. Prof. Stern will then discuss automated warehouse applications in greater detail and highlight the gaps between MAPF-like challenges presented in real-world systems and the classical MAPF definition. The talk will examine existing approaches to bridging these gaps—including lifelong planning, robustness to failures, and techniques for mitigating uncertainty. The session will conclude with open questions and promising research directions for advancing MAPF in practical, dynamic environments.

👨‍🏫 Speaker Biography

Prof. Roni Stern received his Ph.D. in 2011 and is a full professor of computer science at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel. Previously, he served as a Principal Scientist at the Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) and as president of the Symposium on Combinatorial Search (SoCS). His research interests include single- and multi-agent planning, learning domain models, automated diagnosis, and applications of AI in Software Engineering.

Prof. Stern currently leads both the Software Engineering Program at BGU and two research laboratories: the Anomaly Detection and Diagnosis Lab and the Search, Planning, and Learning Lab. He has been working on Multi-Agent Path Finding since 2010, and his contributions to the field have earned several honors, including the AIJ Prominent Paper Award.

📝 Registration

Participation is free of charge, but registration is required.
Please scan the QR code on the event poster or CLICK HERE to access the registration form (registration form link: https://forms.gle/5knRLRHyc5hpbvqt6)