Abstract: A modular mobility base for a modular autonomous bot apparatus transporting an item being shipped including a mobile base platform, a component alignment interface, a mobility controller, a propulsion and steering system, and sensors. The component alignment interface provides an alignment channel into which another modular component can be placed and secured on the platform. The mobility controller generates propulsion control signals for controlling speed of the modular mobility base and steering control signals for navigation of the modular mobility base. The propulsion system is connected to the platform and responsive to the propulsion control signal. The steering system is connected to the mobile base platform and is responsive to the steering control signal to cause changes to directional movement of the modular mobility base. The sensors are disposed on the platform provide feedback sensor data to the mobility controller about a condition of the modular mobility base.

Abstract: A modular cargo storage system (CSS) is described for use on a base platform of a modular autonomous bot apparatus that transports an item being shipped. The modular CSS includes a set of folding structural walls, an interlocking alignment interface on at least one of the walls, and a modular component power and data transport bus. The walls at least partially enclose a payload area above the base platform. The interlocking alignment interface has a set of latches and a locking handle coupled to the set of latches that actuates the latches to interlock with the base platform. The power and data transport bus have top and bottom side modular component electronics interfaces where each interface has a power conduit outlet and a command and data communication interface.

Abstract: A detachable modular mobile autonomy module (MAM) for a modular autonomous bot apparatus includes a housing with latching points, an autonomous controller, location circuitry, external sensors monitoring an environment external to the MAM and providing sensor data to the controller, multi-element light panels on the housing driven by the controller; and a modular component power and data bus. The bus has a bottom side modular component electronics interface disposed on the housing that mates to a corresponding interface on another proximately-attached modular component of the bot.

Abstract: A modular auxiliary power module is described for a modular autonomous bot apparatus that transports an item being shipped. The modular auxiliary power module includes a base adapter platform, a cargo door, an auxiliary power source, and an output power outlet disposed on the base adapter platform as part of a modular component electronics interface. A top side of the base adapter platform has a cargo support area configured to support the item being shipped. Interlocking alignment interfaces (such as channels or latches) are on the top and bottom of the platform. The cargo door is movably attached to and extending from an edge of the base adapter platform, and the output power outlet is coupled to the auxiliary power source and provides access to power for other components of the modular autonomous bot apparatus from the auxiliary power source.

Abstract: A modular autonomous cart assembly for transporting an item being shipped is described with a sensor-equipped mobility base that carries the item(s), a modular cart handle, a sensor-equipped modular mobile cart autonomy control module detachably attached to the modular handle, all sharing a modular common power and data transport bus. The autonomous controller of the modular control module is programmatically adapted operative to establish a secure connection to a wireless mobile courier node, locate the courier node and the cart assembly, receive sensor data from the base and control module sensors, generate steering and propulsion control commands using the locations and sensor data and send them to a controller on the mobility base so that the assembly can autonomously track and follow the current location of the courier node as the courier node moves and while maintaining a predetermined follow distance from the current location of the courier node.

Abstract: A modular multiple mobility base assembly apparatus is described for transporting an item being shipped having a base adapter plate and two cooperating and coordinating modular mobility bases that are each coupled to the bottom of the base adapter plate and collectively support the base adapter plate. One of the modular mobility bases operations a master autonomous mobile vehicle, while the other operates as a slave autonomous mobile vehicle that receives propulsion and steering control signals from the master while providing feedback sensor data to the master for use in coordinated and cooperative movement of the assembly apparatus. Each of the modular mobility bases also including respective wireless transceivers through which at least the control signals and sensor data are provided between mobility base units.

Abstract: A modular mobility base for a modular autonomous bot apparatus transporting an item being shipped including a mobile base platform, a component alignment interface, a mobility controller, a propulsion and steering system, and sensors. The component alignment interface provides an alignment channel into which another modular component can be placed and secured on the platform. The mobility controller generates propulsion control signals for controlling speed of the modular mobility base and steering control signals for navigation of the modular mobility base. The propulsion system is connected to the platform and responsive to the propulsion control signal. The steering system is connected to the mobile base platform and is responsive to the steering control signal to cause changes to directional movement of the modular mobility base. The sensors are disposed on the platform provide feedback sensor data to the mobility controller about a condition of the modular mobility base.

Abstract: A modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly is described for transporting an item being shipped. The assembly includes a modular mobility base having propulsion, steering, sensors for collision avoidance, and suspension actuators; a modular auxiliary power module with a power source and cargo door; a modular cargo storage system with folding structural walls and a latching system; and a modular mobile autonomy module that covers the cargo storage system and provides human interaction interfaces, externals sensors, a wireless interface, and an autonomous controller with interfacing circuitry coupled to the human interaction interfaces and sensors on the mobile autonomy module. The assembly has a power and data transport bus that provides a communication and power conduit across the different modular components. A method for on-demand assembly of such a bot apparatus is further described with steps for authenticating the different modular components during assembly.

Abstract: A modular auxiliary power module is described for a modular autonomous bot apparatus that transports an item being shipped. The modular auxiliary power module includes a base adapter platform, a cargo door, an auxiliary power source, and an output power outlet disposed on the base adapter platform as part of a modular component electronics interface. A top side of the base adapter platform has a cargo support area configured to support the item being shipped. Interlocking alignment interfaces (such as channels or latches) are on the top and bottom of the platform. The cargo door is movably attached to and extending from an edge of the base adapter platform, and the output power outlet is coupled to the auxiliary power source and provides access to power for other components of the modular autonomous bot apparatus from the auxiliary power source.

Abstract: A modular cargo storage system (CSS) is described for use on a base platform of a modular autonomous bot apparatus that transports an item being shipped. The modular CSS includes a set of folding structural walls, an interlocking alignment interface on at least one of the walls, and a modular component power and data transport bus. The walls at least partially enclose a payload area above the base platform. The interlocking alignment interface has a set of latches and a locking handle coupled to the set of latches that actuates the latches to interlock with the base platform. The power and data transport bus have top and bottom side modular component electronics interfaces where each interface has a power conduit outlet and a command and data communication interface.

Abstract: A modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly is described for transporting an item being shipped. The assembly includes a modular mobility base having propulsion, steering, sensors for collision avoidance, and suspension actuators; a modular auxiliary power module with a power source and cargo door; a modular cargo storage system with folding structural walls and a latching system; and a modular mobile autonomy module that covers the cargo storage system and provides human interaction interfaces, externals sensors, a wireless interface, and an autonomous controller with interfacing circuitry coupled to the human interaction interfaces and sensors on the mobile autonomy module. The assembly has a power and data transport bus that provides a communication and power conduit across the different modular components. A method for on-demand assembly of such a bot apparatus is further described with steps for authenticating the different modular components during assembly.

Abstract: A modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly is described for transporting an item being shipped. The assembly includes a modular mobility base having propulsion, steering, sensors for collision avoidance, and suspension actuators; a modular auxiliary power module with a power source and cargo door; a modular cargo storage system with folding structural walls and a latching system; and a modular mobile autonomy module that covers the cargo storage system and provides human interaction interfaces, externals sensors, a wireless interface, and an autonomous controller with interfacing circuitry coupled to the human interaction interfaces and sensors on the mobile autonomy module. The assembly has a power and data transport bus that provides a communication and power conduit across the different modular components. A method for on-demand assembly of such a bot apparatus is further described with steps for authenticating the different modular components during assembly.

Abstract: An exemplary bulkhead connector assembly may include a housing that has an inner diameter surface, a first opening and a second opening. The assembly may further have a retainer attached to the housing and one or more feet extending radially inward from the inner diameter surface of the housing. The assembly can also include a collar that has a portion received within the first opening or the second opening. The collar may have an outer surface that cooperates with the feet of the retainer to hold a conduit within the housing.

Abstract: A modular auxiliary power module is described for a modular autonomous bot apparatus that transports an item being shipped. The modular auxiliary power module includes a base adapter platform, a cargo door, an auxiliary power source, and an output power outlet disposed on the base adapter platform as part of a modular component electronics interface. A top side of the base adapter platform has a cargo support area configured to support the item being shipped. Interlocking alignment interfaces (such as channels or latches) are on the top and bottom of the platform. The cargo door is movably attached to and extending from an edge of the base adapter platform, and the output power outlet is coupled to the auxiliary power source and provides access to power for other components of the modular autonomous bot apparatus from the auxiliary power source.

Abstract: A detachable modular mobile autonomy module (MAM) for a modular autonomous bot apparatus includes a housing with latching points, an autonomous controller, location circuitry, external sensors monitoring an environment external to the MAM and providing sensor data to the controller, multi-element light panels on the housing driven by the controller; and a modular component power and data bus. The bus has a bottom side modular component electronics interface disposed on the housing that mates to a corresponding interface on another proximately-attached modular component of the bot.

Abstract: A modular multiple mobility base assembly apparatus is described for transporting an item being shipped having a base adapter plate and two cooperating and coordinating modular mobility bases that are each coupled to the bottom of the base adapter plate and collectively support the base adapter plate. One of the modular mobility bases operations a master autonomous mobile vehicle, while the other operates as a slave autonomous mobile vehicle that receives propulsion and steering control signals from the master while providing feedback sensor data to the master for use in coordinated and cooperative movement of the assembly apparatus. Each of the modular mobility bases also including respective wireless transceivers through which at least the control signals and sensor data are provided between mobility base units.

Abstract: Methods are described that perform a dispatched consumer-to-store return or swap logistics operation for an item being replaced using a modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly and a dispatch server. The method begins with receiving a return operation dispatch command that includes identifier information, transport parameters, and designated pickup information for the item being replaced/returned, along with authentication information related to an authorized supplier of the item being replaced. Modular components of the bot apparatus are verified to be compatible with the dispatched logistics operation.

Abstract: Methods of performing a dispatched logistics operation for delivery/pickup of items using a modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly (with a modular autonomy module, cargo storage system, auxiliary power module, and mobility base) and a dispatch server. The modular autonomy control module receives a dispatch command from the dispatch server and authenticates that each of the modular components in the assembly are compatible with the particular dispatched logistics operation. The bot assembly receives the transported item, autonomously moves from an origin location to a destination per the dispatch command using the mobility base autonomously controlled by the modular autonomy control module, receives authentication input that at least correlates to authentication information in the dispatch comment to allow selective access to the modular cargo storage system of the bot assembly, and then autonomously returns to the origin after the item is detected removed from the cargo storage system.

Abstract: Methods and enhanced apparatus used in such methods are described that a dispatched logistics operation for a deliverable item from a hold-at-location (HAL) logistics facility having a secured storage and using a modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly and a dispatch server. The bot apparatus assembly picks up and delivers the item from the HAL facility in response to a delivery dispatch command from the dispatch server. In response, the MAM of the bot verifies compatibility of modular components for the operation, controls receiving of the deliverable item from the secured storage at the HAL facility, then autonomously causes movement to the delivery destination. The MAM notifies the customer before delivery of the approaching delivery, authenticates delivery is to the authorized customer, provides access to the item within the bot apparatus assembly, monitors unloading of the item, then autonomously moves back to the HAL facility.

Abstract: A modular mobility base for a modular autonomous bot apparatus transporting an item being shipped including a mobile base platform, a component alignment interface, a mobility controller, a propulsion and steering system, and sensors. The component alignment interface provides an alignment channel into which another modular component can be placed and secured on the platform. The mobility controller generates propulsion control signals for controlling speed of the modular mobility base and steering control signals for navigation of the modular mobility base. The propulsion system is connected to the platform and responsive to the propulsion control signal. The steering system is connected to the mobile base platform and is responsive to the steering control signal to cause changes to directional movement of the modular mobility base. The sensors are disposed on the platform provide feedback sensor data to the mobility controller about a condition of the modular mobility base.