Abstract: Kiosks, components, and methods are disclosed for preparing food to be vended to customers. The kiosk may be part of a multi-modal food distribution system in which the kiosk may operate in one or more various modes, including a kiosk vending mode, a constellation mode, and a cook en route mode to vend hot, prepared food to customers. The kiosks in the system may be configurable to change between each of the different modes depending upon information received by the system. The kiosk may be part of a kiosk-based food preparation system in which the kiosk vends prepared food items to customers. The kiosk may transmit information that may be used to provide replenishment to the kiosk. Such information may include the number of items vended, the number of items and/or supplies remaining, and/or a replenishment signal.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for preparation and delivery of configurable meal kits with the assistance of an augmented reality (AR) system. Modular food product preparation systems may receive food items and supplies and prepare food products such as configurable meal kits en route such that the food products are prepared by the time the system reaches a delivery destination. Food preparation process steps and timing may be determined based on travel information (e.g., delivery destination, routes, etc.), as well as, food item and food product information. An on-board AR system may provide a user with an augmented vision of the re-configurable preparation and storage environment in the delivery vehicle through a wearable AR device. The user may be provided with information and/or instructions to assist the autonomous or semi-autonomous (robotic) systems in the environment and to control preparation, packaging, and storage of the food products.

Abstract: Garments may adjust appearance based on various input. For example, an appearance (e.g., color scheme, logo, name, branding, insignia, graphic, and, or text) of a garment, for example a uniform or portion(s) thereof may change based on various conditions or contexts. Appearance may be responsive to type of item being delivered or vended or service to be performed. Appearance may be updated in response to detecting an item in proximity, a vehicle in proximity, proximity to a location or geo-fenced area, a seller of an item or service, a buyer of an item or service, a courier service, etc. The appearance may be updated autonomously.

Abstract: A fulfillment system presents attribute information (e.g., images, physical attributes) for food items in an inventory, allowing consumers to select individual instances of food items physical attributes, determined classifications, and predicted times of change of classification, for delivery or pickup. The fulfillment system may automatically capture images of the instance of a food item, and sense or determine physical characteristics, for example weight, size or spatial dimensions, density, color, non-visible wavelengths luster, amount of marbling, color, texture, scent (e.g., chemical compounds experiences as scent), tactile, sound and/or resistance to pressure or force, etc. The fulfillment system may identify a set of instances of food items of a selected type that possess specified physical characteristics, and present the set to the consumer for selection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing compostable food containers which preserve the quality of a food product for an extended duration of time, and which optionally allow for cooking of the food product therein. In some implementations, the food containers are sturdy, stackable, insulating, and require minimal or no manual labor to assemble. In some implementations, the food container includes a base and a cover which cooperate to form a closed chamber for supporting, protecting, insulating and optionally cooking a food product, such as a pizza. The base and cover may each be formed of a single layer of material including, but not limited to, molded sugarcane fiber (“bagasse”), molded wood fiber, molded bamboo fiber, molded paper or plastic.

Abstract: An oven to facilitate heating a food item is disclosed that includes an oven box one or more upper heating elements, and one or more lower heating elements. The oven box has a floor, a ceiling spaced across a height of the oven box from the floor, and at least one side wall that extends between the floor and the ceiling to at least partially delineate an interior of the oven box from an exterior thereof. The one or more upper heating elements are spaced proximate the ceiling relative to the one or more lower heating elements. The one or more lower heating elements are spaced proximate the floor relative to the one or more upper heating elements. The one or more lower heating elements are arranged in a first pattern and the one or more upper heating elements arranged in a second pattern. The first pattern is different than the second pattern.

Abstract: Vehicles, components, and methods are disclosed for preparing hot food during delivery or at a remote location. A multi-modal food distribution system may operate in one or more various modes, including a constellation mode, a cook enroute mode, and a pop-up kitchen mode, to deliver hot, prepared food to customers. The vehicles in the system may be configurable to change between each of the different modes depending upon information received by the system. The system may in the constellation mode include additional delivery vehicles that retrieve food from a vehicle that serves as a hub. The additional delivery vehicles may deliver the food to the delivery destination. In the cook enroute mode, the vehicle may prepare and cook food enroute to a delivery destination. In a pop-up kitchen mode, the vehicle may prepare food for pick up by customers.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for preparation and drone based delivery of food items. In some examples, a delivery vehicle may be arranged for autonomous or semi-autonomous preparation of food items while the vehicle is en route to a delivery destination or parked at the delivery destination. Aerial and/or ground based drones, which may be stored in the vehicle, may be loaded with prepared food items and deliver their payloads to delivery locations. Preparation timing and other parameters for the food items, travel parameters for the delivery vehicle, and/or the delivery destination may be selected based on suitability of the delivery destination for launching/recovering the drones or delivery of the food items to the delivery locations. The drones may carry multiple payloads to multiple locations and may have environmentally controlled storage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing compostable food containers which preserve the quality of a food product for an extended duration of time, and which optionally allow for cooking of the food product therein. In some implementations, the food containers are sturdy, stackable, insulating, and require minimal or no manual labor to assemble. In some implementations, the food container includes a base and a cover which cooperate to form a closed chamber for supporting, protecting, insulating and optionally cooking a food product, such as a pizza. The base and cover may each be formed of a single layer of material including, but not limited to, molded sugarcane fiber (“bagasse”), molded wood fiber, molded bamboo fiber, molded paper or plastic. The base and/or the cover may include one or more detachable portions that may be selectively separable from the remaining portion of the base and/or cover.