[APDIO] ESICUP / RENAULT challenge on container loading for logistics platforms

["José F. Oliveira" <jfo@fe.up.pt>]

The Euro working group ESICUP, automotive maker RENAULT and the 
Operations Research team of Université de Bordeaux organize an 
optimization challenge about container loading for logistics platforms.

http://challenge-esicup-2015.org/

RENAULT is interested in algorithms for operational context (with short 
execution runtime of one hour for the whole set of instances) and also 
for simulation context (with longer execution runtime of 6 hours for the 
whole set of instances). Therefore two prizes (total of 14 000 euros) 
will be awarded for the two contexts.

The challenge is opened to everyone, especially young researchers, 
except those working for the industrial partner having submitted the 
problem, or any of its subsidiaries.

The Challenge offers young researchers the opportunity to explore the 
requirements and difficulties encountered in real-life industrial 
problems. The challenge also allows senior researchers to show their 
knowledge and demonstrate their know-how on practical problems. This is 
a tremendous cooperation between the scienfic community and the industry.

Previsional Schedule

19th of March 2014 Challenge starts (qualification phase).
15th of April 2014 Set A of instances provided.

30th of September 2014 Deadline for submitting a first version of 
computer program

31st of October 2014 Announcement of the qualification results. Set B of 
instances available.

31st of January 2015 Deadline for submitting final program.

March-April 2015 Announcement of the final results and ranking on X 
instances.