Abstract: The disclosed embodiments generally provide visual and/or audio cues to a user to guide the user to a vehicle pickup-drop-off (PuDo) location, such as an autonomous vehicle (AV) PuDo. The user’s current location is determined based on information from the user’s mobile device. A path is determined from the user’s current location to the designated PuDo location, and instructions (e.g., turn-by-turn directions) to reach the designated PuDo are displayed on the user’s mobile device, for example, using an augmented reality (AR) interface on their mobile device that is updated in real-time. Disclosed embodiments also allow vehicles to authenticate the identity of a user before allowing entry of the user into the vehicle based on a sequence of hand gestures performed by the user that are detected by exterior sensors (e.g., camera, LiDAR) of the vehicle.

Abstract: Among other things, techniques are described for preventing and mitigating fire risks on a vehicle. For example, multiple sensor inputs are provided to a predictive model which determines fire scenarios. A first fire risk data and second fire risk data are received from the sensors, and data indicative of fire prevention and fire mitigation is received. At least one fire prevention measure applicable to the first imminent fire risk condition and the second imminent fire risk condition is determined. The first fire risk data and the second fire risk data are compared to the fire mitigation thresholds. At least one fire mitigation measure applicable to the first imminent fire risk condition and the second imminent fire risk condition is determined. The at least one fire prevention measure or the at least one fire mitigation measure is activated.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for establishing a line-of-sight (LoS) communications link between a first vehicle and one or more second vehicles. The LoS communications link can include a Li-Fi communications link, visible light communications (VLC) link, or other light-based communications link. LoS communications can be used to create and control caravans of vehicles.