Abstract: An autonomous vehicle detects an approaching emergency vehicle by performing a plurality of types of analysis of signals output by sensors in the vehicle. Each type of analysis generates a different prediction that indicates a likelihood of a proximity of an emergency vehicle to the autonomous vehicle. The predictions are processed and fused to generate a determination that indicates whether an emergency vehicle is proximate to the autonomous vehicle. In response to the determination indicating the emergency vehicle is proximate, the autonomous vehicle performs an action.

Abstract: The disclosed technology enables an in-vehicle control computer located in a vehicle to perform localization techniques to control a driving related operation of the vehicle. An example method to control a vehicle includes determining, by a computer located in a vehicle, a first characteristic of a first object from an image obtained by a camera located on the vehicle while the vehicle is operated on a road; determining whether the first characteristic of the first object matches a second characteristic of a second object obtained from a high-definition map stored in the computer; and sending, in response to determining that the first characteristic of the first object does not match the second characteristic of the second object, instructions that cause the vehicle to steer along a first trajectory to a side of the road and to apply brakes.

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.