An embodiment mobile object includes a frame part having an internal space, a wheel part coupled to a first side of the frame part and comprising a wheel, movable modules coupled to a second side of the frame part and configured to be movable in a vertical direction relative to the frame part, and a door module coupled to a first side of the movable modules, the door part being rotatable relative to the movable modules in a direction toward the internal space or a direction away from the internal space.

The disclosure provides a delivery vehicle. The delivery vehicle may be automated for delivering one or more containers to a delivery location and unloading the one or more containers at that location. The vehicle includes a vehicle body defining a bay therein. The vehicle also includes a plurality of container hangers mounted within the bay and an automated unloading arm movable between a retracted arm position and an extended arm position. The arm is at least partially received in the bay in the retracted arm position and extends from the body in the extended arm position. The unloading arm comprises at least one container carrying member, such as at least one hook, longitudinally movable along the unloading arm for selective longitudinal alignment with each of the plurality of hangers.

A cart adapted to be attached to and carried by a vehicle with a receiver[define receiver to include attachments], comprising: a cart body; a connector attached to the body; four arms, each pivotably attached at a first end to the body; four wheels, each connected to a second end of one of the four arms; four arm actuators, each configured to pivot one of the four arms such that each wheel can be moved closer to or further away from the body; a controller; and at least two motors, each configured to rotate one wheel, each independently controlled by the controller; wherein the connector is adapted to mechanically engage the receiver; whereby the controller can move the cart and control the yaw of the cart by rotating one or more of the wheels; wherein the controller can adjust the height of the cart, the pitch of the cart, and the roll of the cart by pivoting one or more of the four arms; and whereby the cart is hitched to the vehicle such that the weight of the cart is born by the vehicle is disclosed.

An embodiment mobility for delivering articles includes a frame defining a body of the mobility, a chain member coupled to a first side of the frame, wherein the chain member has a closed curve shape along an up-down direction, is movable relative to the frame, and includes a standby section provided at a fixed position with respect to the frame irrespective of a movement of the chain member, wherein the standby section includes a plurality of bent areas, a tray member having a first side coupled to the chain member, the tray member being movable in connection with a movement of the chain member, a wheel coupled to a lower portion of the frame, and a driver configured to provide a driving force to the chain member.

An article transport vehicle (V) includes: a carriage body (1); and a transfer device (3) that is mounted on the carriage body (1) and is configured to transfer an article. The transfer device (3) includes an article support unit (32); a linking support unit (31) that links the article support unit (32) to the carriage body (1), and a drive unit (D). The linking support unit (31) includes a first shaft support portion (311) that is linked to the carriage body (1) so as to be swingable around a first shaft (A1), the article support unit (32) includes a second shaft support portion (321) that is linked to the linking support unit (31) so as to be swingable around a second shaft (A2), and the drive unit (D) includes a first drive unit (33D) and a second drive unit (34D).

A load transporting apparatus includes a base structure that supports a load and a plurality of transport devices that move the base structure over a base surface. A first group of transport devices concurrently contact the base surface during a first movement step. Following the first movement step the first group of transport devices are disengaged from the base structure during a second movement step of the base structure. A second group of transport devices are disengaged from the base surface during the first movement step. Following the first movement step the second group of transport devices contact the base surface during the second movement step, and the weight of the load supported by the first group of transport devices is transferred from the first group of transport devices to the second group of transport devices.

A load transporting apparatus includes a base structure that supports a load and a plurality of transport devices that move the base structure over a base surface. A first group of transport devices concurrently contact the base surface during a first movement step. Following the first movement step the first group of transport devices are disengaged from the base structure during a second movement step of the base structure. A second group of transport devices are disengaged from the base surface during the first movement step. Following the first movement step the second group of transport devices contact the base surface during the second movement step, and the weight of the load supported by the first group of transport devices is transferred from the first group of transport devices to the second group of transport devices.

A robotic under surface loader includes a mobility platform, a parallel manipulator, and a cradle. The mobility platform enables the robotic under surface loader to be moved into place beneath a downwardly facing surface to which a payload is to be attached. The parallel manipulator, which is carried by the mobility platform, carries the cradle, which may in turn carry a payload. The parallel manipulator may position the cradle in six degrees-of-freedom and, thus, precisely position a payload carried by the cradle in a location and an orientation that will facilitate its interaction with (e.g., attachment to, etc.) the downwardly facing surface. Methods for attaching objects, including large, heaving objects, to downwardly facing surfaces are also disclosed.

A hitch mounted cargo lifting device for lifting large objects onto a cargo bed of a vehicle to which it is attached includes a discrete hitch attachment, pivot member, and cradle member. One side of the pivot member is fixedly attached to the cradle member, and the other is hingedly attached to the hitch attachment. This allows the pivot member and cradle attachment to be moved between a loading position in which the cradle attachment is adjacent to a ground surface, and an unloading position in which the cradle attachment is adjacent to and aligned with the vehicle's cargo bed. In some embodiments, a motor driven reeled wire is provided to supply the force to move the pivot member and cradle attachment between the unloading and loading positions. Conventional cargo straps may be used to secure the cargo to the cradle.

Described herein are cargo handling systems for loading, transporting, and unloading cargo from autonomously delivery devices. In some embodiments, the cargo handling system includes: a system processing unit for controlling operations of the cargo handling system; and one or more modular racks. Each rack includes a rack processing unit, a frame, and one or more moveable arm sets. Further, each rack is configured to store, dock, and undock one or more modular cargo containers according to received signals from the system processing unit. In some embodiments, the system processing unit transmits one of: a docking signal and an undocking signal to dock or undock, respectively, the identified modular cargo container. In some embodiments, the system further includes a shuttle for transporting, at least in part, a modular cargo container in the modular racks.