Abstract: A guidance system for a user includes a first haptic device disposed on a first, rightward side and a second haptic device disposed on a second, leftward side of the user. A local controller is disposed on the user to communicate with the first and second haptic devices. A remote server is configured to communicate with the local controller. A vehicle includes a global positioning system sensor, and is in communication with the remote server. The local controller includes a control routine that is executable to determine a desired location of the vehicle, and determine a present location of the user. The control routine guides, via the first and second haptic devices, movement of the user towards the desired location of the vehicle, and indicates, via the first and second haptic devices, arrival of the vehicle at the desired location. The control routine pairs the user with the vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods, systems and computer readable storage medium for dynamically configuring a passenger section for a passenger transport. The method includes receiving, by a processor, a trip request. The method further includes reconfiguring, by the processor, at least a portion of a passenger section of a passenger transport based at least in part on the received trip request. The method further includes collecting, by the passenger transport, one or more passengers associated with the trip request for transport to a destination.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for taking action when a beverage spill has occurred within a vehicle. In one example, the vehicle includes one or more sensors, an input device, and a processor. The one or more sensors are configured to detect that a beverage has spilled within a vehicle. The input device configured to receipt an in input from a passenger of the vehicle. The processor is coupled to the one or more sensors and to the input device, and configured to at least facilitate: providing information to a passenger of the vehicle as to an option to obtain a replacement beverage; receiving input from the passenger via the input device, in response to the information provided to the passenger, as to whether a replacement beverage is desired; and taking an action to obtain the replacement beverage, when the passenger has provided the input to obtain the replacement beverage.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods, systems and computer readable storage medium for rideshare behavior monitoring. The method includes receiving, by a processor, feedback from a next rider. The method further includes receiving, by the processor, feedback from a rideshare service transport. The method further includes generating, by the processor, a rideshare behavior score for a previous occupant of the rideshare service transport based on the feedback from the next rider and the feedback from the rideshare service transport. The method further includes correlating, by the processor, the rideshare behavior score with a plurality of possible actions. The method further includes selecting, by the processor, one or more possible actions based on the correlation. The method also includes implementing, by the processor, the one or more possible actions.

Abstract: Enhanced features of a vehicle-based transportation system are presented here. In accordance with one methodology, the transportation system receives a ride request that identifies a passenger, a pickup location, and a destination location. The transportation system determines that the passenger requires user-specific security clearance to access a secured area at or near the destination location, and coordinates with a security system to grant the user-specific security clearance to the passenger. The transportation system can also determine a vehicle drop-off location based on the passenger destination, and coordinate with a navigation system to obtain navigation instructions to guide the passenger from the vehicle drop-off location to the passenger destination.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for taking action when a beverage spill has occurred within a vehicle. In one example, the vehicle includes one or more sensors, an input device, and a processor. The one or more sensors are configured to detect that a beverage has spilled within a vehicle. The input device configured to receipt an in input from a passenger of the vehicle. The processor is coupled to the one or more sensors and to the input device, and configured to at least facilitate: providing information to a passenger of the vehicle as to an option to obtain a replacement beverage; receiving input from the passenger via the input device, in response to the information provided to the passenger, as to whether a replacement beverage is desired; and taking an action to obtain the replacement beverage, when the passenger has provided the input to obtain the replacement beverage.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for automatically maintaining cleanliness of an vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving, by a processor, at least one sensor signal from a sensor that monitors for particulates within an interior of a vehicle; determining, by the processor, a level of uncleanliness of the vehicle based on the sensor signal; and selectively generating, by the processor, at least one of a control signal to a cleaning element of the vehicle and a notification message based on the determining to achieve the level of cleanliness.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for cleaning systems of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a system includes: a floor mat; a vacuum system integrated with the floor mat, the vacuum system comprising a port, one or more ducts, and one or more openings integrated with the floor mat; and a control module that selectively activates suction of the vacuum system based on a detection of a level of uncleanliness of the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating available transportation modes based on location data of a user. Methods and systems retrieve metrics relating at least to time, cost and risk of each available transportation mode. Methods and systems analyze the available transportation modes and the associated metrics based on criteria related to time, cost, and risk factors. Methods and systems determine a transportation recommendation based on the analyzing. Methods and systems output the transportation recommendation to a user electronic device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for automatically maintaining cleanliness of an vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving, by a processor, at least one sensor signal from a sensor that monitors for particulates within an interior of a vehicle; determining, by the processor, a level of uncleanliness of the vehicle based on the sensor signal; and selectively generating, by the processor, at least one of a control signal to a cleaning element of the vehicle and a notification message based on the determining to achieve the level of cleanliness.

Abstract: A methods and a server for operating a vehicle are provided. A method includes selecting an identifier that is associated with a vehicle reservation for passenger service in the vehicle. The method further includes initiating a pick-up portion of the vehicle reservation for making the vehicle available to a passenger. The method further yet includes displaying the identifier at the vehicle during the pick-up portion of the passenger service. The server includes a processor and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that configure the server for performing the method.

Abstract: Methods, autonomous vehicles, and servers for passenger service in an autonomous vehicle are provided. A method includes receiving at least one signal indicating a status of at least one passenger of the autonomous vehicle. The method further includes processing the at least one signal to determine whether the at least one passenger has taken action consistent with completion of the passenger service reservation in the absence of an action that is inconsistent with completion of the passenger service reservation. The method yet further includes completing the reservation based on the processing the at least one signal. A server includes a processor and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that configure the server for performing the method.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for cleaning systems of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a system includes: a floor mat; a vacuum system integrated with the floor mat, the vacuum system comprising a port, one or more ducts, and one or more openings integrated with the floor mat; and a control module that selectively activates suction of the vacuum system based on a detection of a level of uncleanliness of the vehicle.

Abstract: Enhanced features of a vehicle-based transportation system are presented here. In accordance with one methodology, the transportation system receives a ride request that identifies a passenger, a pickup location, and a destination location. The transportation system determines that the passenger requires user-specific security clearance to access a secured area at or near the destination location, and coordinates with a security system to grant the user-specific security clearance to the passenger. The transportation system can also determine a vehicle drop-off location based on the passenger destination, and coordinate with a navigation system to obtain navigation instructions to guide the passenger from the vehicle drop-off location to the passenger destination.

Abstract: A semi-autonomous vehicle couplable to a parent vehicle is described, and includes a chassis supported on first and second axles coupled to a plurality of wheels, a propulsion system configured to transfer torque to one of the wheels, a steering system configured to control direction of travel of the semi-autonomous vehicle, a braking system configured to apply braking force to the wheels, a high-voltage electrical energy storage system, an extra-vehicle communications system, and an extra-vehicle sensory system. A control system operatively couples to the propulsion system, the steering system, and the braking system. A coupling device is configured to electrically couple the semi-autonomous vehicle to the parent vehicle, the coupling device consisting essentially of a high-voltage DC electrical power bus electrically coupled to the high-voltage electrical energy storage system.

Abstract: A semi-autonomous vehicle includes a chassis having a repository on a plurality of wheels, a propulsion system, a steering system, a braking system, an extra-vehicle communications system, and an extra-vehicle sensory system. A control system of the semi-autonomous vehicle is operatively coupled to the propulsion system, the steering system, and the braking system and signally connected to the extra-vehicle sensory system and the extra-vehicle communications system. A non-load-bearing coupling mechanism of the semi-autonomous vehicle includes a connector, a flexible mechanical link element and a communications link.

Abstract: A method of submitting customer-identified insights for improving a fleet of vehicles. A capturing application is distributed that allows a customer to record a customer identified insight. The capturing application is configured to transmit a recorded customer-identified insight to a receiving unit. Customer-identified insights are received at the receiving unit via a communication system. The customer-identified insights are aggregated in a storage database. The customer-identified insights in the storage database are analyzed to identify potential vehicle improvements.

Abstract: A semi-autonomous vehicle includes a chassis having a repository on a plurality of wheels, a propulsion system, a steering system, a braking system, an extra-vehicle communications system, and an extra-vehicle sensory system. A control system of the semi-autonomous vehicle is operatively coupled to the propulsion system, the steering system, and the braking system and signally connected to the extra-vehicle sensory system and the extra-vehicle communications system. A non-load-bearing coupling mechanism of the semi-autonomous vehicle includes a connector, a flexible mechanical link element and a communications link.

Abstract: A semi-autonomous vehicle couplable to a parent vehicle is described, and includes a chassis supported on first and second axles coupled to a plurality of wheels, a propulsion system configured to transfer torque to one of the wheels, a steering system configured to control direction of travel of the semi-autonomous vehicle, a braking system configured to apply braking force to the wheels, a high-voltage electrical energy storage system, an extra-vehicle communications system, and an extra-vehicle sensory system. A control system operatively couples to the propulsion system, the steering system, and the braking system. A coupling device is configured to electrically couple the semi-autonomous vehicle to the parent vehicle, the coupling device consisting essentially of a high-voltage DC electrical power bus electrically coupled to the high-voltage electrical energy storage system.