An efficient multi-agent approach to order picking and robot scheduling in a robotic mobile fulfillment system

•A multi-agent-based approach for the order and vehicle scheduling in a RMFS is proposed.•Comparison of a centralized scheduling approach to a fast decentralized framework is provided.•High quality solutions can be achieved using the proposed MAS.•An in depth analysis of various decision rules on the system KPIs is performed.•The implementation of bidirectional lanes can result in an overall higher system performance.