Abstract: A method calculates a time for which a force is to be applied to a strut to have the strut lockingly engage a notch of a notch plate. The notch plate has a plurality of notches equidistantly spaced about a surface of the notch plate at a predetermined distance from each other. The method begins by measuring a rotational speed of the notch plate. The method then identifies the predetermined distance between the notches in the notch plate. The predetermined distance is divided by the measured speed to create a positioning time. A pivot time is added to the positioning time allow the strut to travel along the notch plate and into the notch a sufficient distance to physically lock the pocket plate and the notch plate together.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle is disclosed. The autonomous vehicle comprises a frame including a support frame; at least one marker supported on the support frame; a marker deployment system including a placement device for locating each of the at least one markers from the support frame at a desired location relative to the vehicle; and an autonomy system that includes a controller, a processor, and a memory device, the memory device stores instructions that when executed by the processor transmit signals to the device causing the device to locate each of the at least one markers at the desired location relative to the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: In one aspect, a vehicle and associated method includes multiple electronic data recorders (EDRs) that includes a modular EDR and a replacement EDR configured to replace the modular EDR; a memory storing instructions, and at least one processor in communication with the plurality of EDRs and the memory, where the at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to coordinate at least part of a transfer of data between the plurality of EDRs, and at least part of a replacement operation that includes exchanging the modular EDR for the replacement EDR.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle comprises a frame including a support frame. At least one marker is supported on the support frame. A marker deployment system includes a drone placement device for locating each of the at least one markers from the support base to a desired location relative to the vehicle. An autonomy system includes a processing system, comprises a processor, and a memory device, the memory device storing instructions that when executed by the processor transmit signals to the device causing the device to locate each of the at least one markers at the desired location relative to the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method and an associated apparatus includes multiple electronic data recorders (EDRs), at least one sensor configured to generate a signal in response to detecting that a sensor measurement exceeds a preset threshold, a cannister including expanding foam, and circuitry in communication with the at least one sensor and the cannister. In response receiving the signal, the circuit is configured to cause the cannister to dispense the expanding foam to envelop at least one of the multiple EDRs. The EDR maybe one of multiple EDRs on a vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for middle-mile delivery using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). An autonomy computing system of an autonomous vehicle controls autonomous operation of the autonomous vehicle while the autonomous vehicle is in motion. An inventory management system manages inventory retained within the autonomous vehicle, the inventory including one or more cases, each case respectively containing one or more units. The inventory management system is communicatively coupled to an inventory handler within the autonomous vehicle. A UAV control system controls operation of a first UAV. The inventory management system is configured to, while the autonomous vehicle is in motion, control the inventory handler to position a first unit in a retrieval location. The UAV control system is configured to, while the autonomous vehicle is in motion control the first UAV to retrieve the first unit and withdraw from the autonomous vehicle for delivery of the first unit.

Abstract: A system for signaling intent of an autonomous truck includes at least one sensor disposed on the autonomous truck and configured to collect sensor data descriptive of a condition nearby the autonomous truck. The system includes a processing system communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor. The processing system includes a processor coupled to a memory, the memory storing executable instructions that, upon execution by the processor, configure the processor to process the sensor data to generate a message relating to the condition. The system includes a signaling display configured to display the message.

Abstract: A method for detecting and reporting cargo lost from an autonomous vehicle. The method includes receiving, from a plurality of sensors, at least one sensor signal representing one or more measurements of the vehicle, determining a mass of the vehicle based on the one or more measurements, estimating a center of mass along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle based on the one or more measurements and the mass, and receiving, from the plurality of sensors, at least one sensor signal representing one or more cargo loss-related conditions. The method also includes identifying one or more cargo loss-indicative conditions based on the center of mass estimation and the one or more cargo loss-related conditions, generating a lost cargo detection signal based on at least one of the one or more cargo loss-indicative conditions and a location of the vehicle, and transmitting the lost cargo detection signal to an external receiver.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle including one or more sensors positioned on a body of the autonomous vehicle, at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions is disclosed. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, configure the at least one processor to: (i) receive sensor data from the one or more sensors; (ii) determine, from the sensor data, presence of an emergency situation and absence of an emergency vehicle at a site of the emergency situation; (iii) in accordance with the determining, trigger a first responder mode of the autonomous vehicle; and (iv) initiate one or more actions to assist or protect people or a property at the site of the emergency situation.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle including one or more sensors positioned on a body of the autonomous vehicle, at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions is disclosed. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, configure the at least one processor to: (i) receive sensor data from the one or more sensors; (ii) determine, from the sensor data, presence of an emergency situation and absence of an emergency vehicle at a site of the emergency situation; (iii) in accordance with the determining, trigger a first responder mode of the autonomous vehicle; (iv) transmit a notification corresponding to the emergency situation, the notification including a geolocation of the site of the emergency situation; (v) receive a request to transmit particular sensor data of a sensor of the one or more sensors; and (vi) transmit the requested particular sensor data.

Abstract: A system for destructive braking system for an autonomous truck traveling on a roadway includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured for controlling a transmission for the autonomous truck. The destructive braking system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to drop a component of the autonomous truck onto the roadway. The system includes a processing system communicatively coupled to the ECU, the processing system including at least one processor coupled to a memory. The memory stores executable instructions that, upon execution by the processor, configure the processor to: receive an indication the autonomous truck will unavoidably collide with an object, determine to employ destructive braking, and instruct the ECU to initiate movement of the component of the autonomous truck onto the roadway to reduce momentum of the autonomous truck.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with high-speed liftoff systems, as well as delivery systems and methods using the same. The delivery system includes an autonomous vehicle, a first UAV, and a UAV control system configured to control the first UAV. The autonomous vehicle includes an autonomy computing system configured to control operation of the autonomous vehicle while the autonomous vehicle is in motion, the autonomous vehicle containing an inventory including a plurality of units. The UAV system is configured to control the first UAV to, while the autonomous vehicle is in motion, control the first UAV to: stabilize in an equilibrium motion relative to the autonomous vehicle while the first UAV is coupled to the autonomous vehicle, engage a first unit of the plurality of units, and disengage from the autonomous vehicle with the first unit engaged therewith.

Abstract: A system for destructive braking system for an autonomous truck traveling on a roadway includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured for controlling a transmission for the autonomous truck. The destructive braking system includes a processing system communicatively coupled to the ECU, the processing system including a processor coupled to a memory. The memory stores executable instructions that, upon execution by the processor, configure the processor to receive an indication the autonomous truck will unavoidably collide with an object. The processor is further configured to determine to employ destructive braking. The processor is further configured to instruct the ECU to reverse the transmission to reduce momentum of the autonomous truck.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle includes an autonomy computing system and an exterior surface displaying an indicium. The autonomy computing system includes an incentivized behavior module. The autonomy computing system further includes at least one processor and at least one memory. The processor is configured to establish communication between a client device of a user and the autonomous vehicle using the indicium. The processor is configured to receive, at least one request from the client device, the at least one request including a desired action of the autonomous vehicle. The processor is configured to initiate execution of the desired action. The processor is configured to communicate to the client device whether the autonomous vehicle will complete the requested action.

Abstract: A method for detecting and reporting fires by an autonomous vehicle. The method includes receiving, from one or more sensors, at least one sensor signal representing one or more fire-related conditions surrounding the autonomous vehicle, and identifying one or more fire-indicative conditions surrounding the autonomous vehicle based on the one or more fire-related conditions. The method also includes generating a fire detection signal based at least on the one or more fire-indicative conditions, a location of the one or more fire-indicative conditions, and a location of the autonomous vehicle, and transmitting the fire detection signal to an external receiver.

Abstract: An interference deterrent system for an autonomous vehicle is provided. The interference deterrent system includes a directional speaker system and a processor configured to receive, from at least one sensor of the autonomous vehicle, sensor data, identify, from the sensor data, a potentially interfering actor, determine a location of the potentially interfering actor with respect to the autonomous vehicle, and control the directional speaker system to emit a sound targeted at the location of the potentially interfering actor.

Abstract: An interference deterrent system for an autonomous vehicle is provided, the interference deterrent system includes a processor configured to receive, from at least one sensor of the autonomous vehicle, sensor data including an actor, determine a trajectory of the actor based on the sensor data, identify the actor as a potentially interfering actor when the trajectory of the actor intersects with a location of the autonomous vehicle, when the actor is not a potentially interfering actor, initiate standby to await receipt of additional sensor data, and when the actor is a potentially interfering actor, identify a response to be executed by the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: An anti-rutting system is provided. The anti-rutting system includes a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to receive, from one or more autonomous vehicles, sensor data indicating conditions of roads traveled by the one or more autonomous vehicles, generate, based on the sensor data, a model of a surface of the roads traveled by the one or more autonomous vehicles, identify one or more road deterioration features from the model, generate a map indicating locations of the road deterioration features, and transmit the map to the one or more autonomous vehicles, wherein the one or more autonomous vehicles are configured to generate constraints for a planned path of the autonomous vehicle to avoid contact with the locations of the road deterioration features identified in the map while operating.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosed system for measuring a pose of a trailer connected to an autonomous truck includes a trailer pose sensor and an autonomy computing system. The sensor is coupled to a connector configured to rigidly mate with a trailer connector on the trailer. The sensor is configured to detect a motion of the trailer. The autonomy computing system is communicatively coupled to the sensor. The autonomy computing system includes a processor coupled to a memory, the memory storing executable instructions that, upon execution by the processor, configure the processor to: compute a first pose of the trailer and store in the memory, receive a first measurement of the motion from the sensor, compute a second pose based at least in part on the first measurement received from the sensor and the first pose, and store the second pose in the memory.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed. The method includes receiving, at an application server from an autonomous vehicle, telematics data, and based upon analysis of the received telematics data, determining, by the application server, that the autonomous vehicle needs to be rescued. The method includes verifying, by the application server, a health status of a communication connection with the autonomous vehicle. The method includes based upon the health status of the communication connection with the autonomous vehicle, performing, by the application server, a plurality of checks to identify one or more problems with a plurality of modules of the autonomous vehicle, and based upon the plurality of checks indicating no failure corresponding to the plurality of modules of the autonomous vehicle, dispatching a service vehicle to a location of the autonomous vehicle to rescue the autonomous vehicle.