Abstract: A longitudinally guiding driver assistance system in a motor vehicle has a first detection system for detecting currently applying events or relevant events lying ahead, which require a change of the permissible maximum speed, a second detection system for detecting the course of the route, and a function unit which, when detecting a relevant event while taking into account the location of the relevant event, determines a location-dependent point in time, whose reaching causes the function unit to initiate an automatic adaptation of the currently permissible maximum speed or an output of a prompt information for permitting an automatic adaptation of the currently permissible maximum speed to anew permissible maximum speed. The function unit is designed to take into account available information concerning the course of the route when determining the location-dependent point in time.

Abstract: A control unit of a server device as an information processing apparatus is configured to: provide first information on a service for each of a plurality of moving objects, each of which is configured to provide a different service and autonomous travel; acquire second information on time and location of at least one service that a user wants to use; and determine at least one moving object that matches with the user based on the first information and the second information, and generate a travel plan of the at least one moving object.

Abstract: A platooning control apparatus is based on active collision avoidance control, a system including the same, and a method thereof. The platooning control apparatus includes a collision avoidance determining unit configured to, when a host vehicle is one of one or more following vehicles while a leading vehicle and the following vehicles platoon, determine whether it is possible to avoid collision of the host vehicle according to whether the host vehicle collides with a front vehicle. The front vehicle may be the leading vehicle or another following vehicle. The collision avoidance determining unit is also configured to determine whether longitudinal collision of the host vehicle is avoided when the leading vehicle is fully longitudinally braked.

Abstract: Some aspects include a schedule development method for a robotic floor-cleaning device that recognizes patterns in user input to automatically devise a work schedule.

Abstract: A system and method for operation of an autonomous vehicle (AV) yard truck is provided. A processor facilitates autonomous movement of the AV yard truck, and connection to and disconnection from trailers. A plurality of sensors are interconnected with the processor that sense terrain/objects and assist in automatically connecting/disconnecting trailers. A server, interconnected, wirelessly with the processor, that tracks movement of the truck around and determines locations for trailer connection and disconnection. A door station unlatches/opens rear doors of the trailer when adjacent thereto, securing them in an opened position via clamps, etc. The system computes a height of the trailer, and/or if landing gear of the trailer is on the ground and interoperates with the fifth wheel to change height, and whether docking is safe, allowing a user to take manual control, and optimum charge time(s). Reversing sensors/safety, automated chocking, and intermodal container organization are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to performing one or more validity checks on potential trajectories for a device, such as an autonomous vehicle, to navigate. In some examples, a potential trajectory may be validated based on whether it is consistent with a current trajectory the vehicle is navigating such that the potential and current trajectories are not too different, whether the vehicle can feasibly or kinematically navigate to the potential trajectory from a current state, whether the potential trajectory was punctual or received within a time period of a prior trajectory, and/or whether the potential trajectory passes a staleness check, such that it was created within a certain time period. In some examples, determining whether a potential trajectory is feasibly may include updating a set of feasibility limits based on one or more operational characteristics of statuses of subsystems of the vehicle.

Abstract: A server device efficiently acquires information of a surrounding area of a movable body for updating map information while suppressing communication load. Condition information indicating a condition of autonomous driving is received from a first movable body capable of autonomous driving based on a state of a surrounding area of the first movable body and a map, and a request for state information is transmitted to a second movable body capable of transmitting the state information indicating a state of a place where the first movable body has moved, and when the received condition information indicates that the autonomous driving has been possible, transmission of the request is prevented.

Abstract: A platooning controller, a vehicle system including the same, and a method thereof perform braking control based on a hitch angle. The platooning controller includes a processor that controls platooning of one or more vehicles, each with a trailer, and includes a storage storing information for controlling the platooning. The processor controls a host vehicle such that a hitch angle of the host vehicle with the trailer meets a predetermined reference angle, when it is necessary to perform braking control, and controls the host vehicle to perform the braking control.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating robotic equipment in a controlled zone are presented. The system comprises one or more self-driving material-transport vehicles having at least one sensor, non-transitory computer-readable media, and a processor in communication with the at least one sensor and media. The media stores computer instructions that configure the processor to move the vehicle towards the controlled zone in a normal mode of operation, capture environmental data associated with the controlled zone using the at least one sensor, determine environmental-change data based on comparing the captured environmental data with known-good environmental data, and operating the vehicle in a safe mode of operation based on the environmental-change data.

Abstract: A system includes a virtual-driver module, a DC/DC converter electrically coupled to the virtual-driver module, a low-voltage battery electrically coupled to the virtual-driver module, a high-voltage battery electrically coupled to the DC/DC converter, and a computer communicatively coupled to the DC/DC converter. The computer is programmed to, in response to a request to start a vehicle including the virtual-driver module in a manual mode, the vehicle being in an off state at the time of the request, set a setpoint of the DC/DC converter at a first voltage; then perform at least one pre-drive test on the vehicle; and then set the setpoint of the DC/DC converter at a second voltage lower than the first voltage.

Abstract: In a vehicle control system (1) configured for autonomous driving, a control unit (15) invokes an autonomous stopping mode when an intervention detection unit (10, 11, 13, 33) has failed to detect an acceptance of a driving intervention request by the driver when the driving intervention request is notified by a notification interface (31, 32), and the control unit restricts a functionality of the autonomous driving after the autonomous stopping mode has been invoked due to a driver's failure.

Abstract: A method and system to determine a selected service response for servicing a damaged portion of a vehicle using a vehicle technician system. The selected service response is based upon a digital media file acquired with the vehicle technician system and representative of the damaged portion of the vehicle. The digital media file is communicated from the vehicle technician system to an authority such as a vehicle owner. The communication may be indirectly through an intermediary such as a vehicle service management system. Inasmuch as the digital media file is inherently unbiased, the authority evaluates the digital media file when considering the appropriate service, such as repairing or replacing a damaged part. The authority then selects a selected service response based at least in part on the digital media file and the selected service response is thereafter applied to the vehicle.

Abstract: A data processing system includes a host system and one or more expansion devices coupled to the host system over a bus. The host system may include one or more processors and a memory storing instructions, which when executed, cause the processors to perform autonomous driving operations to drive an autonomous driving vehicle (ADV). Each expansion device includes a switch device and one or more processing modules coupled to the switch device. Each processing module can be configured to perform at least one of the autonomous driving operations offloaded from the host system. At least one of the processing modules can be configured as a client node to perform an action in response to an instruction received from the host system. Alternatively, it can be configured as a host node to distribute a task to another client node within the expansion device. This host node in the expansion device can further cooperate with the host system via a host-to-host connection.

Abstract: Provided are a method for indicating at least one obstacle by a smart roadside unit, a system and a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium. The method includes: detecting the at least one obstacle via a radar to generate an obstacle set; acquiring status information reported by an autonomous vehicle; filtering the obstacle set according to the status information reported by the autonomous vehicle, to remove the autonomous vehicle object from the obstacle set; and sending a filtered obstacle set to the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention has an object of determining feasibility of lowering a driving automation level of an automated driving vehicle, based on a driving load considering a relationship with surrounding vehicles. An automatic-driving-level lowering feasibility determination apparatus according to the present invention includes: a surrounding vehicle information obtainment unit obtaining surrounding vehicle information; a driving load calculator calculating, based on the surrounding vehicle information, a driving load value indicating a magnitude of a driving load on the subject vehicle; a driving-automation-level lowering feasibility determination unit determining feasibility of lowering a driving automation level of the subject vehicle, based on the driving load value; and an output controller outputting, to an automated driving control device, a result of the feasibility determined by the driving-automation-level lowering feasibility determination unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for situational modification of autonomous vehicle operation are disclosed. According to aspects, a computing device may detect the occurrence of an emergency event and may determine a current operation of an autonomous vehicle that may be associated with the emergency event. The computing device may determine a modification to operation of the autonomous vehicle, where the modification may represent a violation of a roadway regulation that may enable effective handling of the emergency event. The computing device may generate a set of instructions for the autonomous vehicle to execute to cause the autonomous vehicle to undertake the operation modification.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an autonomous vehicle and a system for the autonomous vehicle. The system may include a master computing unit configured to control operations of the autonomous vehicle; a slave computing unit communicatively coupled to the master computing unit and configured to control the operations of the autonomous vehicle in response to detecting a failure of the master computing unit; at least one lidar configured to acquire environmental information around the autonomous vehicle; and a switch communicatively coupled to the at least one lidar, the master computing unit and the slave computing unit, and configured to provide the environmental information to the master computing unit and the slave computing unit for controlling the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing the efficiency of vehicle platooning systems are described. In one aspect, drivers are more likely to enjoy a system if it begins platooning as desired and does not accidently end platoons. When a certain amount of data packets sent between vehicles are dropped, systems typically will either not engage in a platoon or end a current platoon. When a platoon has a very small gap between vehicles, the platoon should end—or not start, when a certain amount of packets are dropped. However, if a gap is large enough to provide a driver with more time to react, a system may accept a greater amount of dropped packets before it refuses to start a platoon or causes the end of a platoon.

Abstract: The non-traveling area plan creating unit 4 creates a plan of the non-traveling area, which is an area where the self-driving vehicle 10 can travel and which is an area set as an area where the self-driving vehicle 10 does not travel. The negotiation area information receiving unit 9 receives, from another vehicle, information on one or more negotiation areas each of which is an area other than the non-traveling area and is a subject of negotiation to be included in the non-traveling area. The permissible area determining unit 35 calculates, for each negotiation area, the first value which is the value of the negotiation area indicated by the information for the self-driving vehicle 10, and determines one negotiation area permissible to be included in the non-traveling area, or determines not to include any negotiation area in the non-traveling area.

Abstract: A method for providing coordinated steering and braking of a plurality vehicles traveling in a platoon in response to detecting an obstruction in front of the platoon. The method includes detecting the obstruction by at least one of the vehicles in a front row of the platoon and coordinating and verifying between the vehicles in the front row that the obstruction is in front of the platoon. The method also includes broadcasting a message from one of the vehicles in the front row to the other vehicles in the platoon behind the front row that a coordinated braking and steering operation will occur to prevent a collision with the obstruction. The method then causes the vehicles in each row to steer to a breach position and causes the vehicles to brake so that all of the vehicles stop at the sides of the lanes.

Abstract: A system for closest in path vehicle following using surrounding vehicles motion flow is provided and includes a sensor device of a host vehicle generating data related to vehicles upon a drivable surface. The system further includes a navigation controller including a computerized processor operable to monitor the data from the sensor device, define a portion of the plurality of vehicles as a swarm of vehicles, identify one of the plurality of vehicles as a closest in path vehicle to be followed, evaluate the data to determine whether the closest in path vehicle to be followed is exhibiting good behavior in relation to the swarm of vehicles, and, when the closest in path vehicle to be followed is exhibiting the good behavior, generate a breadcrumbing navigation path based upon the data. The system further includes a vehicle controller controlling the host vehicle based upon the breadcrumbing navigation path.

Abstract: A robotic lawnmower system comprising a robotic lawnmower (100) and a signal generator (240) to which a cable (250, 260) is to be connected, the signal generator (240) being configured to transmit a signal (245) through the cable (250, 260). The robotic lawnmower (100) comprises: a sensor (170) configured to pick up magnetic fields generated by the signal (245) in the cable (250, 260) thereby receiving the signal (245) being transmitted and a controller (110). The controller (110) is configured to follow the cable (250, 260) at a distance by determining a received signal quality level and adapting the distance at which the robotic lawnmower (100) is following the cable at according to the determined signal quality level.

Abstract: An agricultural working machine with a driver assistance system is disclosed. The driver assistance system controls driving functions of the agricultural working machine and at least one working assembly of the agricultural working machine in the context of performing a work process. The driver assistance system accesses a set of rules in the form of control strategies to control the at least one work assembly according to a specific control strategy. The driver assistance system includes an interface to communicate with an external computer unit, which is remote from the agricultural working machine, and through which data can be exchanged between the driver assistance system and the external computer unit. For example, the driver assistance system receives data from the external computer unit via the interface during the work process of the agricultural working machine, and selects the control strategy for performing the work process based on the data.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a user interface for platooning in a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a touch screen display, a communication circuit that communicates with the outside, and a control circuit electrically connected with the touch screen display and the communication circuit. The control circuit displays a first object corresponding to the vehicle and a second object corresponding to an outside vehicle included in a platooning group on the touch screen display and receives a touch input associated with the first object and the second object using the touch screen display. The vehicle is thus operated to adjust a distance between the vehicle and the outside vehicle in response to the touch input.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating trajectories for a vehicle user interface showing a driver's perspective view. Methods include generating an ego-vehicle predicted trajectory for an ego-vehicle; and generating at least one road agent predicted trajectory for a road agent that is external to the ego-vehicle. After the predicted trajectories are generated, the method continues by determining that at least one road agent predicted trajectory both (1) exists behind an object, indicating travel behind the object, and (2) overlaps with the object, when displayed on the user interface showing a driver's perspective view. The method includes modifying the at least one road agent predicted trajectory to remove the overlap. The method then proceeds with updating a display of the user interface to include any modified road agent predicted trajectory. Systems include a trajectory-prediction module to execute the methods.

Abstract: Methods and associated systems and apparatus for generating a three-dimensional (3D) flight path for a moveable platform such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are disclosed herein. The method includes receiving a set of 3D information associated with a virtual reality environment and receiving a plurality of virtual locations in the virtual reality environment. For individual virtual locations, the system receives a corresponding action item. The system then generates a 3D path based on at least one of the set of 3D information, the plurality of virtual locations, and the plurality of action items. The system then generates a set of images associated with the 3D path and then visually presents the same to an operator via a virtual reality device. The system enables the operator to adjust the 3D path via the virtual reality device.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein are provided for determining a platoon configuration for a group of vehicles, determining a set of routes connecting two locations, determining for each route segment the platoon configurations supported and the availability of roadside units on the route segment, and selecting a route from the set of routes connecting the two locations. A route may be selected based on the availability of a roadside unit (RSU) to request an extended time period for a green light to enable a length of the platoon to traverse through an intersection prior to the time period ending. Systems and methods described herein may enable a reconfiguration of a platoon to meet a platoon size restriction for a segment of the selected route.

Abstract: A platoon controller may include a processor that determines whether there is a failure in a sensor mounted in at least one of platooning vehicles forming a platooning group, receives a plurality of information between a breakdown vehicle in the platooning group and a forward vehicle in front of the breakdown vehicle from the forward vehicle in front of the breakdown vehicle and at least one or more following vehicles behind the breakdown vehicle among the platooning vehicles, and continues performing platooning control and a storage that stores information received from the at least one or more following vehicles.

Abstract: A platooning controller, a vehicle system including the same, and a method thereof include a communicator configured to transmit and receive sensor breakdown information between vehicles in a platooning line and include a processor configured to rearrange the platooning line depending on breakdown of sensors of the vehicles in the platooning line based on the sensor breakdown information. The processor assigns a number according to a location of a vehicle in the platooning line depending on a type, a location, and/or a sensing range of a broken sensor and rearranges the vehicle in a location corresponding to the number.

Abstract: Methods, computer readable media, and systems for systems and methods for multi-agent system control using consensus and saturation constraints are described.

Abstract: An integrated automated robotic test system for automated driving systems is disclosed, which is operable to provide an automated testing system for coordinated robotic control of automobiles equipped with automation functions (i.e., test vehicles) and unmanned target robots with which test vehicles may safely collide. The system may include a system for controlling a vehicle that includes a brake actuator, a throttle actuator, and a steering actuator. The brake actuator is controlled by a brake motor and configured to press and release a brake pedal of the vehicle. The throttle actuator is controlled by a throttle motor and configured to press and release a gas pedal of the vehicle. The steering actuator is configured to control a steering wheel of the vehicle. The steering actuator includes a steering motor configured to attach to the steering wheel and a reaction stand configured to support the steering motor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a vehicle. The system includes a plurality of sensors and an electronic controller. The electronic controller is configured to receive data from the plurality of sensors and determine a target vehicle travel direction of the vehicle based on the received data. The electronic controller then determines a heading error based on the target travel direction, determines a heading error derivative, and generates a vehicle control command based on the heading error and the heading error derivative.

Abstract: A control system for the autonomous control of a motor vehicle comprises an environmental sensor system, which is arranged and configured to acquire environmental data for the autonomous control of a motor vehicle. The control system further comprises at least one actuator controller, which is configured to control at least one actuator of the motor vehicle. A first control unit is configured to determine control commands for the at least one actuator controller with the environmental data and to transmit these to the actuator controller.

Abstract: Techniques and methods for navigating an autonomous vehicle using teleoperator instructions. For instance, while navigating to a location, progress of an autonomous vehicle may stop. This may be caused by the autonomous vehicle yielding to another vehicle, such as at an intersection or when the other vehicle is located along a route of the autonomous vehicle. After yielding for a threshold amount of time, the autonomous vehicle may send sensor data and/or an indication of the other vehicle to the teleoperator. The autonomous vehicle may then receive, from the teleoperator, an instruction to cease yielding to the other vehicle. Based at least in part on the instruction, the autonomous vehicle may again begin navigating.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for detecting human intervention over a driving operation of a vehicle that can be operated in a semi-autonomous or an autonomous mode or at least partially in a manual mode. In any one or more aspects, the systems and methods can determine a time period or distance traveled by the vehicle during the intervention of the operation of the vehicle as compared to a time period or distance traveled by the vehicle when operating in the semi-autonomous or autonomous mode, which if desired can be used to determine risk for insurance underwriting of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for generating intermediate waypoints for a navigation system of a robot includes receiving a navigation route. The navigation route includes a series of high-level waypoints that begin at a starting location and end at a destination location and is based on high-level navigation data. The high-level navigation data is representative of locations of static obstacles in an area the robot is to navigate. The method also includes receiving image data of an environment about the robot from an image sensor and generating at least one intermediate waypoint based on the image data. The method also includes adding the at least one intermediate waypoint to the series of high-level waypoints of the navigation route and navigating the robot from the starting location along the series of high-level waypoints and the at least one intermediate waypoint toward the destination location.

Abstract: A server and a controlling method of the same provides notification information about risk level by determining risk level for personal mobility based on information received from personal mobility and vehicle. The vehicle includes a communicator and a controller that determines risk level for personal mobility based on personal mobility information received from the personal mobility, vehicle information received from vehicle located within a preset radius from the personal mobility, and congestion level of driving road of the personal mobility. The controller operates the communicator to transmit notification information corresponding to the risk level to the vehicle.

Abstract: The technology involves operation of a self-driving truck or other cargo vehicle when it is being inspected at a weigh station. This may include determining whether a weigh station is open for inspection. Once at the weigh station, the vehicle may follow instructions of an inspection officer or autonomous inspection system. The vehicle may perform predefined actions or operations so that various vehicle systems and safety issues can be evaluated, such as the brakes, lights, tires, connections between the tractor and trailer, exposed fuel tanks, leaks, etc. A visual inspection may be performed to ensure the load is secured, vehicle and cargo documents meet certain criteria, and the carrier's safety record meets any requirements. In addition, the weigh station itself may be operated in a partly or fully autonomous mode when dealing with autonomous and manually driven vehicles.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and managing a cognitive load of an occupant of a vehicle, including: determining, based on analysis of a first set of sensory inputs received from a first set of sensors from a cabin of the vehicle, a current cognitive load score of an occupant of the vehicle; determining, based on an analysis of a second set of sensory inputs, a current state of the vehicle; analyzing the current cognitive load score of the occupant with respect to the current state of the vehicle; and, selecting at least one predetermined plan for execution based on a determination that a reduction of the current cognitive load score of the occupant is desirable, wherein the determination is based on a result of the analysis of the current cognitive load score of the occupant and the current state of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods to test an autonomous vehicle. In particular, the systems and methods of the present disclosure can receive, from one or more test nodes of a preconfigured test track, log data indicating positions of elements of the test track over a period of time. Log data indicating parameters of an autonomous vehicle over the period of time can be received from the autonomous vehicle. The log data indicating the positions of the elements of the test track over the period of time can be compared with the log data indicating the parameters of the autonomous vehicle over the period of time to determine a performance metric of the autonomous vehicle on the test track over the period of time.

Abstract: Sensor data collected via an autonomous vehicle can be labeled using sensor data collected via an additional vehicle, such as a non-autonomous vehicle mounted with a vehicle agnostic removable hardware pod. A training instance can include an instance of data collected by an autonomous vehicle sensor suite and one or more corresponding labels.

Abstract: An amusement vehicle, retrofittable kit hardware gamification attachment, and method for simulating power-ups in-game virtual vehicle enhancements and virtual weaponry for improved racing experience are disclosed. Amusement vehicle comprises sensor-specific transmitters/receivers for communicating with other amusement vehicles moving in amusement environment. Amusement vehicle comprises a processor simulating power-ups in-game virtual vehicle enhancements and virtual weaponry based on sensor-specific signals transmitted to or received from other amusement vehicles. Power-ups and virtual weaponry are simulated by increasing/decreasing speed, causing damage, providing temporary protection from damage, freezing weaponry, and deactivating weaponry the amusement vehicle for pre-defined time corresponding to sensor-specific signals transmitted to or received from other amusement vehicles in gaming event of amusement environment.

Abstract: A robot cleaner is provided. The robot cleaner includes a battery, and a processor configured to, in response to the battery being consumed in accordance with a cleaning operation for the cleaning area and a remaining capacity of the battery reaching a predetermined value, control the robot cleaner to charge some of the battery and clean a remaining area using the charged battery.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to determine traffic configuration parameters, such as location and speed, that are correlated with optimal traffic flow specific to particular road regions. In a specific embodiment, the disclosure is directed to a vehicle positioning system which utilizes a multi-client server application model configured to perform predictive analysis based upon data collected from a plurality of data streams, infrastructure elements, and vehicles. In a particular implementation, roadways may be partitioned into road regions which may be associated with vehicle configuration templates. Vehicle configuration templates may define instructions for automated vehicle driving parameters within a particular road region. In a specific embodiment, the vehicle positioning system may invoke transition sequences based upon real-time traffic data to modify a given traffic configuration.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for unmanned aerial vehicle beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flight operations. In an embodiment, a flight planning system of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can identify handoff zones along a UAV flight corridor for transferring control of the UAV between ground control stations. The start of the handoff zones can be determined prior to a flight or while the UAV is in flight. For handoff zones determined prior to flight, the flight planning system can identify suitable locations to place a ground control station (GCS). The handoff zone can be based on a threshold visual line of sight range between a controlling GCS and the UAV. For determining handoff zones while in flight, the UAV can monitor RF signals from each GCS participating in the handoff to determine the start of a handoff period.

Abstract: A moving body system for controlling operation of moving bodies comprises an accepter configured to accept utilization requests for requesting utilization of the moving bodies corresponding to respective users in order that the plurality of users gather by using the moving bodies corresponding to the respective users; an acquirer configured to acquire scheduled working times of the respective users in the moving bodies when the respective users move by the moving bodies corresponding thereto respectively; and a determiner configured to determine a meeting place at which the respective users gather, the determiner determining the meeting place so that the meeting place gets closer to a getting-on position of the user who has the scheduled working time shorter than that of the other user or those of the other users.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically operating a drone safety system of a delivery drone. The method includes: receiving at least one terrain map; receiving a delivery request, wherein the delivery request includes a destination location and a delivery time; analyzing the received at least one terrain map and the delivery request to generate a navigation plan, wherein the navigation plan include a plurality of segments, wherein each of the plurality of segments include at least source coordinates, destination coordinates, an operation instruction to operate a drone safety system in case of failure of a delivery drone; and sending the navigation plan to the delivery drone for execution of the navigation plan at least in case of failure of the delivery drone.

Abstract: A self-driving cleaner includes a drive unit that drives movement of a cleaner body, a control circuit disposed in the cleaner body, a camera that captures an image in front thereof, an obstacle detection sensor that detects an object, and a rotational frequency sensor that detects a stuck state. The control circuit (a) identifies information about a target object that caused the stuck state, (b) receives information indicating whether the target object is to be cleaned, and (c) controls the drive unit and a suction unit, when receiving information indicating the target object to be cleaned, to perform a first mode where the space excluding the target object is cleaned first and, thereafter, the target object is climbed if receiving cleaning reservation and perform a second mode where the target object is climbed first and, thereafter, the space excluding the target object is cleaned if receiving a cleaning start instruction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an autonomous vehicle in response to vehicle instructions from a remote computing system are provided. In one example embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes controlling a first autonomous vehicle to provide a vehicle service, the first autonomous vehicle being associated with a first convoy that includes one or more second autonomous vehicles. The method includes receiving one or more communications from a remote computing system associated with a third-party entity, the one or more communications including one or more vehicle instructions. The method includes coordinating with the one or more second autonomous vehicles to determine one or more vehicle actions to perform in response to receiving the one or more vehicle instructions from the third-party entity. The method includes controlling the first autonomous vehicle to implement the one or more vehicle actions.

Abstract: When a vehicle passes through a predetermined spot, a vehicle control device sends a transmission signal including a vehicle number counter set to an initial value in a rearward direction of the vehicle. When the transmission signal is received through the inter-vehicle communication module from a vehicle that leads the own vehicle, the vehicle control device sets the vehicle number counter included in the transmission signal, to an updated value resulting from increasing the vehicle number counter by a predetermined value, and sends a transmission signal including the vehicle number counter set to the updated value in the rearward direction of the vehicle. The vehicle control device sends the vehicle number counter set to the initial value or the updated value, to a center server, if it is determined that there is no vehicle that follows the own vehicle at a relatively short inter-vehicle distance.