Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatuses, and computer implemented methods to improve the reliability and safety of the autonomous vehicles. In one aspect, a method for determining an environmental exposure of an autonomous vehicle is disclosed. The method includes obtaining sensor data from one or more shock or vibration sensors mounted to the autonomous vehicle and determining a level of vibrations or a level of shock at the autonomous vehicle based on the obtained sensor data. The method further includes adding the level of vibrations of the autonomous vehicle to an accumulated level of vibrations of the autonomous vehicle and determining whether the accumulated level of vibrations of the autonomous vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold value for the accumulated level of vibrations of the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: A method of operating an autonomous vehicle includes determining, by the autonomous vehicle, whether a target is in an intended maneuver zone around the autonomous vehicle; generating, by the autonomous vehicle, a signal in response to determining that the target is within the intended maneuver zone around the autonomous vehicle; determining, by the autonomous vehicle and based on perception information acquired by the autonomous vehicle, whether the target has left the intended maneuver zone around the autonomous vehicle; and determining, by the autonomous vehicle, that it is safe to perform the intended maneuver in response to determining, by the autonomous vehicle, that the target is not in the intended maneuver zone or in response to determining, by the autonomous vehicle, that the target has left the intended maneuver zone.