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Packing Algorithms May Save the Planet

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the that-might-be-an-overstatement dept.

An anonymous reader writes "New Scientist reports on how competitions to devise better packing algorithms could help cut the environmental impact of deliveries and shipping. A new record setter at packing differently-sized discs into the smallest space without overlapping them has potential to be applied to real world 3D problems, researchers claim." Ok the title might be a little ridiculous, but the ridiculous packaging used to ship a few tiny objects by some shippers is pretty shameful.

3 of 195 comments (clear)

  1. Support Amazon by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    I know many of you despise Amazon due to the one-click fiasco (and with good reason). But packing/packaging are one area where they're trying to get things right. When possible, order items that are packed using "frustration-free" packaging.

  2. UPS is a Great Example of How Algorithms Help by joelsherrill · · Score: 5, Informative

    UPS has gotten itself a lot of press over the years about how it has saved fuel, time, and money with its routing algorithms. There was recently an article in Information Week about some of their technology. It is amazing how even a small improvement can save big money AND positively impact the environment. Routing improvements save time and money. Better vehicle maintenance plans. Less idling. This is the printable article. It has a session Id so I don't know if it will survive. http://www.informationweek.com/shared /printableArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=34SPUBGP0QJA2QSNDLRSKHSCJUNN2JVN?articleID=212900815 This is the link with ads. http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=212900815

  3. Re:Wall-E by Joce640k · · Score: 3, Informative

    Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnUjTHB1lvM

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