Methods are described that perform a dispatched consumer-to-store return or swap logistics operation for an item being replaced using a modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly and a dispatch server. The method begins with receiving a return operation dispatch command that includes identifier information, transport parameters, and designated pickup information for the item being replaced/returned, along with authentication information related to an authorized supplier of the item being replaced. Modular components of the bot apparatus are verified to be compatible with the dispatched logistics operation. The MAM then autonomously causes the bot apparatus to move to the designated pickup location, notifies the authorized supplier of an approaching pickup, receives supplier authorization input to permissively allow access to a payload area within the bot apparatus, monitors loading as the item being replaced is received along with return documentation, and then autonomously causes movement of the bot apparatus back to the origin location.

Systems, methods, tangible non-transitory computer-readable media, and devices associated with the operation of a vehicle are provided. For example, a receptacle system can determine states of a receptacle of a vehicle. Further, the states of the receptacle can be associated with accommodation of objects by the receptacle. The receptacle system can receive object data that includes information associated with accommodation of the objects by the receptacle. The receptacle system can also determine operations associated with the receptacle based at least in part on the object data and the states of the receptacle. Furthermore, the receptacle system can generate control signals to perform the operations associated with the receptacle which can include transporting objects in the receptacle, charging objects in the receptacle, extending the receptacle, or retracting the receptacle.

A system for delivering an article from a first location to a second location with a robot having a closeable transport container for housing the article during transport. A closeable recipient container is provided at the second location for receiving the article. At least one computer configured to navigate the robot over an outdoor transportation network between locations is provided. The robot has a robot article transport mechanism controlled by the at least one computer for removing the article from the transport container and the recipient container has a recipient article transport mechanism for moving the article inside the recipient container.

The present disclosure enhances security of a service of storing baggage in a locker loaded in a vehicle. An information processing apparatus of the present disclosure includes a controller configured to, for baggage stored in a locker loaded in a vehicle, make a notification that confirms unlocking of the locker to a user terminal associated with the baggage, with a locked state of the locker being maintained, when a predetermined event related to unlocking of the locker is detected before a first date and time set in advance. The controller decides whether or not to take out the baggage from the locker based on an answer to the notification from the user terminal.

A system include a server configured to: receive a request from a computing device to unlock a delivery box; determine whether the request is authenticated; and send an unlock signal to the delivery box in response to the request being authenticated, such that when the unlock signal is sent to the delivery box, the delivery box is remotely unlocked in response thereto. The delivery box may include a container comprising an interior configured to hold an item; an access door configured to close the container; a system configured to be activated to disinfect/sanitize the interior. The controller is connected to a network and a user is configured to control the controller over the network.

Disclosed are a system and a method that includes a robotic unit configured to deliver items (e.g., medicine, foodstuff, linens, equipment, etc.) to sites (e.g., rooms, offices, etc.) and/or individuals (e.g., patients, pharmacists, technician, etc.) throughout a facility (e.g., hospital, office building, mailroom, manufacturing facility, etc.). The robotic unit is a mobile unit that operates autonomously to follow predetermined or programmed routes throughout the facility to deliver the items. The system is configured to maintain a chain of custody for the items. In addition, the robotic unit is configured to only allow designated items to be delivered to designated sites and/or to authorized individuals. This can be achieved by the robotic unit having a plurality of containers that are locked within a storage space of the robotic unit, and are only accessible upon successful completion of an authorization process.

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for systems and methods for autonomous device authentication and compartment unlocking. Example methods may include determining, by a user device, an identifier associated with a target Bluetooth Low Energy peripheral device, receiving a beacon from a Bluetooth Low Energy peripheral device, and determining, using the beacon, that the Bluetooth Low Energy peripheral device is the target Bluetooth Low Energy peripheral device. Example methods may include establishing a connection with the target Bluetooth Low Energy peripheral device, and sending a signal to the target Bluetooth Low Energy peripheral device to implement an action, where the signal comprises a resource identifier, and where the target Bluetooth Low Energy peripheral device controls access to a plurality of resources, and uses the resource identifier to identify a resource of the plurality of resources at which to implement the action.

An apparatus includes a controller configured to initiate attachment of a first locking bar of a transport container to a first anchor point of a structure by adjusting the first locking bar from a first unlocked state to a first locked state. The controller is also configured to confirm a locking of the first locking bar to the first anchor point. The controller is further configured to, in response to confirming the locking, initiate a release of a second locking bar of the transport container from a second anchor point by adjusting the second locking bar from a second locked state to a second unlocked state.

A transportation storage system and method includes a vehicle having a platform on a chassis, plural storage containers disposed on the platform, and electronic locksets mounted to the storage containers. Each of the storage containers includes multiple module walls that define a cavity to receive an object, and a container door mounted to the module walls at an access end of the storage container to enclose the cavity when in a closed state. The electronic locksets lock the container doors in the closed state, and provide access to the object within the respective cavity in response to receiving a corresponding unlock signal. The storage containers are oriented on the platform such that the container doors are accessible to an individual that is off-board the vehicle or that is on the platform to extract the object from the cavity or to deposit the object into the cavity.

Disclosed herein are autonomous delivery vehicles devices, systems and methods. The autonomous delivery vehicle devices are mounted with smart locker banks to facilitate the automated delivery of packages stored within compartments of the smart locker banks.