Vehicle Routing Problem : Applied Projects

Solve real-world logistics challenges with Python: from basic VRP to Capacitated, Time Window, and Multi-Depot routing

What you'll learn
- Model and solve different types of Vehicle Routing Problems (VRP) using Python.
- Implement Capacitated, Time Window, Multi-Depot, and Pickup & Delivery VRP variants.
- Apply optimization techniques, heuristics, and metaheuristics to real-world routing data.
- Analyze and compare performance of routing algorithms across Python, Julia, and Java.

Requirements
- Basic programming experience in Python, Julia, or Java is recommended.
- Familiarity with basic math and algorithms will be helpful but not required.
- A computer with Python installed — all libraries used in the course are open-source and easy to set up.

Description
Routing optimization is everywhere — from delivery fleets to ride-sharing apps, from warehouse logistics to postal systems. Yet, behind the scenes, these problems are complex, dynamic, and computationally challenging.

In this course, you’ll learn how tomodel and solve Vehicle Routing Problems (VRP)step by step, usingPythonas the main implementation language. We’ll start with the fundamentals of routing and then move through several key VRP variants, includingCapacitated VRP,VRP with Time Windows,Multi-Depot VRP,Heterogeneous Fleet VRP, andPickup and Delivery Problems.

You’ll see how small changes in constraints can transform a simple route into a combinatorial puzzle — and you’ll learn practical ways to handle these challenges throughexact algorithms,heuristics, andmetaheuristics.

Each section is designed forhands-on learning. Instead of long theoretical lectures, you’ll walk through pre-tested Python scripts that demonstrate how to build, run, and interpret routing models effectively. Along the way, you’ll also get brief insights into how the same problems can be tackled inJuliaandJava, so you can compare approaches across languages.

This course is ideal for students and professionals inindustrial engineering, operations research, computer science, logistics, and supply chain management— or anyone curious about optimization and decision-making in real-world systems.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to model your own routing problems, choose appropriate solvers and techniques, and confidently implement end-to-end VRP solutions in Python.

Who this course is for:
- Students and professionals in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Logistics, Supply Chain, or Computer Science.
- Anyone interested in optimization, route planning, or transportation analytics.
- Developers and data scientists who want to apply algorithmic thinking to real-world logistics problems.
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