Abstract: In one example embodiment, a computer-implemented method for transporting cargo using smart palettes includes determining receipt of a first cargo onto a platform of a first smart palette at a first distribution hub. The method includes generating one or more signals that control a loading of the first smart palette and the first cargo onto a trailer located at the first distribution hub. The method includes determining a coordination with one or more second smart palettes associated with the trailer to determine a first position inside the trailer for the first smart palette and the first cargo. The method includes generating one or more signals that position the first smart palette and the first cargo at the first position inside the trailer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a moveable cover panel of an autonomous vehicle is provided. A vehicle can include a front panel disposed proximate to the front end of the passenger compartment, a vehicle motion control device located at the front panel, and a cover panel located at the front panel. The cover panel moveable relative to the front panel between an isolating position and an exposing position. The cover panel can isolate the vehicle motion control device from the passenger compartment when in the isolating position and expose the vehicle motion control device to the passenger compartment when in the exposing position. A method can include obtaining vehicle data identifying an operational mode, state, and/or status of the vehicle, determining a first position of the cover panel, and initiating a positional change for the cover panel based on the vehicle data and the first position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for planning a multimodal itinerary. The systems and methods may include receiving a transportation request. The transportation request may include a starting location, a final destination, and an estimated payload data. During a first leg of the multimodal itinerary, an updated payload data may be received. An aerial vehicle may be assigned to a subsequent leg of the multimodal itinerary based on the updated payload data.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to dynamic stroking seats for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Seat ballast tanks are attached to aircraft seats. The seats are sprung by a fixed or variable load energy absorption system. The weight of a user is determined and assigned to a corresponding seat of the user. Based on the weight of the user, the fluid level in the ballast tank is monitored and adjusted to achieve a target weight range.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle includes a chassis for housing an aircraft ground contacting structure (GCS) and one or more GCS coupling and lifting mechanisms, GCS securing mechanisms, drivetrain, batteries and a sensor stack for performing autonomous navigation. Further, the vehicle incorporates multiple sensors, such as high-resolution machine vision cameras, GPS modules, Lidars, ultrasonic range sensors, and radars. The sensors deliver spatial perception capabilities to the vehicle and feed relevant data to onboard computing units to achieve location-based navigation, precision alignment with aircraft, obstacle detection and collision avoidance capabilities. A series of batteries deliver power to all components, including but not limited to, motors, electromechanical units, onboard computers, sensors and any other component requiring electrical input. External ports allow the vehicle to recharge batteries after each utilization cycle without replacement.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments for employing off board sensors to augment data used by a ground based autonomous vehicle. In some aspects, the off-board sensors may be positioned on another autonomous vehicle, such as an aerial autonomous vehicle (AAV). The disclosed embodiments determine uncertainty scores associated with ground regions. The uncertainty scores indicate a need to reimage the ground regions. An AAV may be tasked to reimage a region having a relatively high uncertainty score, depending on a cost associated with the tasking.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to dynamic stroking seats for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Seat ballast tanks are attached to aircraft seats. The seats are sprung by a fixed or variable load energy absorption system. The weight of a user is determined and assigned to a corresponding seat of the user. Based on the weight of the user, the fluid level in the ballast tank is monitored and adjusted to achieve a target weight range.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a moveable cover panel of an autonomous vehicle is provided. A vehicle can include a front panel disposed proximate to the front end of the passenger compartment, a vehicle motion control device located at the front panel, and a cover panel located at the front panel. The cover panel moveable relative to the front panel between an isolating position and an exposing position. The cover panel can isolate the vehicle motion control device from the passenger compartment when in the isolating position and expose the vehicle motion control device to the passenger compartment when in the exposing position. A method can include obtaining vehicle data identifying an operational mode, state, and/or status of the vehicle, determining a first position of the cover panel, and initiating a positional change for the cover panel based on the vehicle data and the first position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a moveable cover panel of an autonomous vehicle is provided. A vehicle can include a front panel disposed proximate to the front end of the passenger compartment, a vehicle motion control device located at the front panel, and a cover panel located at the front panel. The cover panel moveable relative to the front panel between an isolating position and an exposing position. The cover panel can isolate the vehicle motion control device from the passenger compartment when in the isolating position and expose the vehicle motion control device to the passenger compartment when in the exposing position. A method can include obtaining vehicle data identifying an operational mode, state, and/or status of the vehicle, determining a first position of the cover panel, and initiating a positional change for the cover panel based on the vehicle data and the first position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for planning a multimodal itinerary. The systems and methods may include receiving a transportation request. The transportation request may include a starting location, a final destination, and an estimated payload data. During a first leg of the multimodal itinerary, an updated payload data may be received. An aerial vehicle may be assigned to a subsequent leg of the multimodal itinerary based on the updated payload data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for planning a multimodal itinerary. The systems and methods may include receiving a transportation request. The transportation request may include a starting location, a final destination, and an estimated payload data. During a first leg of the multimodal itinerary, an updated payload data may be received. An aerial vehicle may be assigned to a subsequent leg of the multimodal itinerary based on the updated payload data.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a computer-implemented method for autonomous vehicle control includes determining whether a cargo container is attached to the vehicle base. The method includes controlling a front shield associated with an autonomous vehicle to move from a closed position to an opened position when a cargo container is determined to be attached to a vehicle base associated with the autonomous vehicle. The method includes controlling the front shield to move from the opened position to the closed position when the cargo container is not attached to the vehicle base.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a computer-implemented method for transporting cargo using smart palettes includes determining receipt of a first cargo onto a platform of a first smart palette at a first distribution hub. The method includes generating one or more signals that control a loading of the first smart palette and the first cargo onto a trailer located at the first distribution hub. The method includes determining a coordination with one or more second smart palettes associated with the trailer to determine a first position inside the trailer for the first smart palette and the first cargo. The method includes generating one or more signals that position the first smart palette and the first cargo at the first position inside the trailer.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a computer-implemented method for autonomous vehicle control includes determining whether a cargo container is attached to the vehicle base. The method includes controlling a front shield associated with an autonomous vehicle to move from a closed position to an opened position when a cargo container is determined to be attached to a vehicle base associated with the autonomous vehicle. The method includes controlling the front shield to move from the opened position to the closed position when the cargo container is not attached to the vehicle base.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a computer-implemented method for transporting cargo using smart palettes includes determining receipt of a first cargo onto a platform of a first smart palette at a first distribution hub. The method includes generating one or more signals that control a loading of the first smart palette and the first cargo onto a trailer located at the first distribution hub. The method includes determining a coordination with one or more second smart palettes associated with the trailer to determine a first position inside the trailer for the first smart palette and the first cargo. The method includes generating one or more signals that position the first smart palette and the first cargo at the first position inside the trailer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a moveable cover panel of an autonomous vehicle is provided. A vehicle can include a front panel disposed proximate to the front end of the passenger compartment, a vehicle motion control device located at the front panel, and a cover panel located at the front panel. The cover panel moveable relative to the front panel between an isolating position and an exposing position. The cover panel can isolate the vehicle motion control device from the passenger compartment when in the isolating position and expose the vehicle motion control device to the passenger compartment when in the exposing position. A method can include obtaining vehicle data identifying an operational mode, state, and/or status of the vehicle, determining a first position of the cover panel, and initiating a positional change for the cover panel based on the vehicle data and the first position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for coordinating multimodal transportation services are provided. An example computer-implemented method includes obtaining a service request for a vehicle service indicating an origin location and a destination location. The method includes determining a route from the origin location to the destination location. The method includes segmenting the route into a plurality of route segments, each of which comprise a first route segment that is traversable by an autonomous vehicle and a second route segment that is traversable by a light electric vehicle. The method includes determining an autonomous vehicle to provide the vehicle service along the first route segment. The method includes determining a light electric vehicle to provide the vehicle service along the second route segment and to accompany the autonomous vehicle along at least a portion of the first route segment. The method includes outputting data associated with the service request for the autonomous vehicle.