Abstract: Some embodiments include an autonomous loader comprising a speed control system; a steering control system; a shovel control system; and a controller communicatively coupled with the speed control system, the steering control system, and the shovel control system. In some embodiments, the controller has code that instructs the shovel control system to place the shovel in a position to load the shovel; instructs the speed control system to move the autonomous loader into a load zone; determines whether the shovel has been filled with material from the load zone; instructs the shovel control system to raise the shovel a predetermined amount; determines a second time whether the shovel has been filled with material from the load zone; instructs the shovel control system to raise the shovel out of the load zone; and instructs the shovel control system to shake the shovel.

Abstract: Some embodiments include an autonomous loader comprising a speed control system; a steering control system; a shovel control system; and a controller communicatively coupled with the speed control system, the steering control system, and the shovel control system. In some embodiments, the controller has code that instructs the shovel control system to place the shovel in a position to load the shovel; instructs the speed control system to move the autonomous loader into a load zone; determines whether the shovel has been filled with material from the load zone; instructs the shovel control system to raise the shovel a predetermined amount; determines a second time whether the shovel has been filled with material from the load zone; instructs the shovel control system to raise the shovel out of the load zone; and instructs the shovel control system to shake the shovel.

Abstract: A vehicle control system for causing a follower vehicle to follow a leader may have a tether system mounted to the follower vehicle. The tether system may include a tether having an end adapted to be attached to the leader, a length sensor, and an angle sensor. A path tracking system operatively associated with the tether system determines a path traveled by the leader. A path control system operatively associated with the path tracking system and the follower vehicle causes the follower vehicle to follow the path traveled by the leader. A spacing control system operatively associated with the path tracking system and the follower vehicle causes the follower vehicle to maintain a predetermined spacing between the follower vehicle and the leader.

Abstract: A vehicle control system for causing a follower vehicle to follow a leader may have a tether system mounted to the follower vehicle. The tether system may include a tether having an end adapted to be attached to the leader, a length sensor, and an angle sensor. A path tracking system operatively associated with the tether system determines a path traveled by the leader. A path control system operatively associated with the path tracking system and the follower vehicle causes the follower vehicle to follow the path traveled by the leader. A spacing control system operatively associated with the path tracking system and the follower vehicle causes the follower vehicle to maintain a predetermined spacing between the follower vehicle and the leader.

Abstract: A vehicle control system for causing a follower vehicle to follow a leader may have a tether system mounted to the follower vehicle. The tether system may include a tether having an end adapted to be attached to the leader, a length sensor, and an angle sensor. A path tracking system operatively associated with the tether system determines a path traveled by the leader. A path control system operatively associated with the path tracking system and the follower vehicle causes the follower vehicle to follow the path traveled by the leader. A spacing control system operatively associated with the path tracking system and the follower vehicle causes the follower vehicle to maintain a predetermined spacing between the follower vehicle and the leader.

Abstract: A vehicle control system for causing a follower vehicle to follow a leader may have a tether system mounted to the follower vehicle. The tether system may include a tether having an end adopted to be attached to the leader, a length sensor, and an angle sensor. A path tracking system operatively associated with the tether system determines a path traveled by the leader. A path control system operatively associated with the path tracking system and the follower vehicle causes the follower vehicle to follow the path traveled by the leader. A spacing control system operatively associated with the path tracking system and the follower vehicle causes the follower vehicle to maintain a predetermined spacing between the follower vehicle and the leader.