Integrating rule-based modelling and constraint programming for solving industrial packing problems

Packing items in bins is an old but nevertheless challenging combinatorial problem with numerous applications in industry. We report on an original approach based on constraint programming and rule-based modelling, which has been investigated in the framework of the FP6 ‘specific targeted research project’ Net-WMS (Towards integrating virtual reality and optimization techniques in a new generation of Networked businesses in Warehouse Management Systems under constraints). It has applications in the automotive industry