Autonomous modular robots and methods of use are disclosed herein. An example system includes a first assembly includes a first controller having a first processor that causes a first assembly support to translate along a first axis and align with a container placed on the first assembly support which is connected to a third assembly. The third assembly is configured to release a lid when the container has been engaged with the lid. The lid and container form a second assembly that includes a second processor and a second sensor assembly located in the lid. A transfer assembly can transfer an object into and out of the container. The first processor can determine a position and orientation of a delivery platform, planned movement and position of the second assembly, and planned operations of the transfer assembly in order to deliver a package to the delivery platform.

Ramp assemblies may include a first ramp member and a second ramp member configured to telescope relative to the first ramp member. The first ramp member may include a first top panel. The second ramp member may include a second top panel, a housing below the second top panel, and a rod coupled to the second top panel with the rod extending from the second top panel into the housing. Methods of making such ramp assemblies, and methods of using such ramp assemblies are also disclosed. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included.

A high density mobile power unit may include an elongated unibody frame having a frame cavity, a front end, a rear end, an elongated roof panel, a front panel, a rear panel, an elongated floor assembly having an upper side and a lower side, an elongated first side panel, and an elongated second side panel. A frame cavity bounded by the roof panel, front panel, rear panel, the upper side of the floor assembly, first side panel, and second side panel. A plurality of wheel and tire assemblies may be coupled to the unibody frame and may support the unibody frame above a ground surface. A radiator may be coupled to the upper side of the floor assembly and positioned within the frame cavity at the front end. At least one generator may be positioned within the frame cavity at the rear end. An engine may be positioned within the frame cavity between the at least one generator and the radiator. An under carriage structural lattice arrangement may be coupled to the lower side of the floor assembly.

A system and method are provided for automated engaging of a truck trailer at a loading dock. Sensors measure a distance and an angle of alignment between the incoming trailer and a wall of the loading dock. An outside lighting system guides a truck driver backing the trailer toward the dock door. A vehicle restraint system fixates the trailer within the loading dock in response to signals from the sensors. An overhead dock door opens once the trailer is successfully fixated by the vehicle restraint system. A dock leveler deploys after the overhead dock door opens. An inside dock light indicates to dock personnel that the trailer is ready to be serviced. Once servicing of the trailer is finished, an automated release of the trailer from the loading dock may be initiated by PLC communication.

A system and method are provided for automated engaging of a truck trailer at a loading dock. Sensors measure a distance and an angle of alignment between the incoming trailer and a wall of the loading dock. An outside lighting system guides a truck driver backing the trailer toward the dock door. A vehicle restraint system fixates the trailer within the loading dock in response to signals from the sensors. An overhead dock door opens once the trailer is successfully fixated by the vehicle restraint system. A dock leveler deploys after the overhead dock door opens. An inside dock light indicates to dock personnel that the trailer is ready to be serviced. Once servicing of the trailer is finished, an automated release of the trailer from the loading dock may be initiated by PLC communication.

An add-on extender for a pickup truck having a bed and a tailgate with a pair of sides and a top. The extender selectively extends both the bed and the tailgate of the pickup truck, and permanently mounts onto the tailgate of the pickup truck so as not to have to be removed when not in use. The extender includes a pair of side panels and a rear panel. The pair of side panels pivotally attach to the pair of sides of the tailgate of the pickup truck, respectively, so as to have a non-operational folded position and an operational unfolded position that extends the bed of the pickup truck. The rear panel pivotally attaches to the top of the tailgate of the pickup truck so as to have a non-operational folded position and an operational unfolded position that extends the bed and the tailgate of the pickup truck.

A method and an arrangement for optimizing load position in relation to a transportation vehicle, comprising a platform arranged to the transportation vehicle for receiving a load; an actuating device for moving the platform in relation to the transportation vehicle; a sensing device configured to generate a vehicle sensing signal and/or a non-vehicle sensing signal; a controlling device configured to receive at least one of the vehicle sensing signal and the non-vehicle sensing signal; generate controlling commands based on the received at least one of the vehicle sensing signal and the non-vehicle sensing signal; and transmit the controlling commands to the actuating device; wherein the actuating device is configured to receive the controlling commands and to move the platform in relation to the transportation vehicle based on the controlling commands.

A mobile waste storage device is disclosed. The mobile waste storage device includes a storage body and a pair of cover sections. The storage body includes a waste receiving space and a plurality of body fastener receiving passageways. The pair of cover sections is flexibly attached to the storage body and is extendable over each other when covering the waste receiving space. Each cover section includes a cover fastener receiving passageway extending through an end thereof and positioned to correspond with another cover fastener receiving passageway extending through an opposite cover section and one of the plurality of body fastener receiving passageways when the pair of cover sections overlap to cover the waste receiving space.

A bed extender is provided for a bed of a truck. That bed extender includes a reel mounted to a first sidewall of the bed, a line received on that reel, and a fastener carried on a distal end of the line. An anchor is carried on a second sidewall of the bed. In addition, the bed extender includes a support arm including a receiver that engages the line when the line is extended from the reel and fastened to the anchor. The support arm is mounted to the tailgate of the truck.

A method is disclosed for deploying a ramp assembly. The ramp assembly includes a ramp portion rotatable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The ramp assembly further includes a panel rotatable about a first end, wherein the ramp portion supportingly engages a second end of the panel to elevate the second end of the panel as the ramp portion moves toward the deployed position. The method includes the step of rotating the ramp portion until the ramp portion contacts an alighting surface. The method further includes the step of rotating the ramp portion until one of a first condition and second condition occurs. The first condition is that the ramp portion has reached a maximum slope. The second condition is that the second end of the panel has reached a predetermined elevation.