Abstract: An autonomous vehicle having sensors advantageously varied in capabilities, advantageously positioned, and advantageously impervious to environmental conditions. A system executing on the autonomous vehicle that can receive a map including, for example, substantially discontinuous surface features along with data from the sensors, create an occupancy grid based upon the map and the data, and change the configuration of the autonomous vehicle based upon the type of surface on which the autonomous vehicle navigates. The device can safely navigate surfaces and surface features, including traversing discontinuous surfaces and other obstacles.

Abstract: A deployment mechanism and a delivery container enabling unattended delivery of cargo by a vehicle navigating autonomously on both vehicle lanes and pedestrian ways. A trailer for an autonomous vehicle for hauling additional cargo and power supplies. A method for delivering and picking up goods using delivery trucks, autonomous vehicles, and trailers. The deployment mechanism can include a crane, a robot arm, a forklift, straps, and sails. The delivery container can include visible, partly visible, or hidden security features and grasping features, and can be foldable and stackable. The trailer can include a 4-bar linkage, the 4-bar linkage enabling consistent pitch between the trailer cargo and a cargo hold of the towing vehicle. The trailer wheels are decoupled from the 4-bar linkage, connected by swing arms and possible shock absorbers. The trailer can buffer fore/aft movement of the trailer.

Abstract: The system of the present teachings for maintaining an unobstructed pathway through which sensors can capture data. The system includes at least one stationary wiper assembly, at least one movable shield assembly housing the sensors, and at least one barrier assembly protecting the interior of the stationary assembly and the movable shield assembly from environmental contaminants.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle having sensors advantageously varied in capabilities, advantageously positioned, and advantageously impervious to environmental conditions. A system executing on the autonomous vehicle that can receive a map including, for example, substantially discontinuous surface features along with data from the sensors, create an occupancy grid based upon the map and the data, and change the configuration of the autonomous vehicle based upon the type of surface on which the autonomous vehicle navigates. The device can safely navigate surfaces and surface features, including traversing discontinuous surfaces and other obstacles.