Abstract: Payload engagement systems and related methods. A payload engagement system includes a vehicle with at least one engagement latch and a payload with at least one engagement receptor. Each engagement latch is configured to be selectively transitioned between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration. The payload engagement system includes an alignment guide configured to guide the payload to a predetermined coupling position prior to each engagement latch transitioning to the engaged configuration. A method of utilizing a payload engagement system includes positioning a vehicle on a first side of a docking platform, guiding a payload toward the vehicle, and coupling the payload to the vehicle via engagement between at least one engagement latch and at least one engagement receptor. Specifically, the coupling the payload to the vehicle includes transitioning each engagement latch from a disengaged configuration to an engaged configuration.

Abstract: Vehicle docking systems, payload transfer systems, and related methods. A vehicle docking system includes a vehicle with a plurality of docking insert units and a docking platform with a plurality of docking receptor units. Each docking receptor unit is configured to transition between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. A method of utilizing a vehicle docking system includes bringing a vehicle to a docked position on a docking platform and securing the vehicle in the docked position. The docking platform includes a plurality of docking receptor units and the vehicle includes a plurality of docking insert units, each docking receptor unit configured to receive a corresponding docking insert unit. The securing the vehicle in the docked position includes transitioning each docking receptor unit from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration. A payload transfer system includes a payload engagement system and a vehicle docking system.

Abstract: Vehicle docking systems, payload transfer systems, and related methods. A vehicle docking system includes a vehicle with a plurality of docking insert units and a docking platform with a plurality of docking receptor units. Each docking receptor unit is configured to transition between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. A method of utilizing a vehicle docking system includes bringing a vehicle to a docked position on a docking platform and securing the vehicle in the docked position. The docking platform includes a plurality of docking receptor units and the vehicle includes a plurality of docking insert units, each docking receptor unit configured to receive a corresponding docking insert unit. The securing the vehicle in the docked position includes transitioning each docking receptor unit from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration. A payload transfer system includes a payload engagement system and a vehicle docking system.

Abstract: Payload engagement systems and related methods. A payload engagement system includes a vehicle with at least one engagement latch and a payload with at least one engagement receptor. Each engagement latch is configured to be selectively transitioned between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration. The payload engagement system includes an alignment guide configured to guide the payload to a predetermined coupling position prior to each engagement latch transitioning to the engaged configuration. A method of utilizing a payload engagement system includes positioning a vehicle on a first side of a docking platform, guiding a payload toward the vehicle, and coupling the payload to the vehicle via engagement between at least one engagement latch and at least one engagement receptor. Specifically, the coupling the payload to the vehicle includes transitioning each engagement latch from a disengaged configuration to an engaged configuration.