A suspension system for a dual-axle wheels assembly, including a sub-frame, a first arm connected to the sub-frame and rotatable with respect to the sub-frame about a first axis, a first connector connected to the first arm and having a first connector axis about which a first wheel rotates when connected to the first connector, the first connector axis is parallel to the first axis, a second arm connected to the sub-frame and rotatable with respect to the sub-frame about a second axis that is parallel to the first axis, a second connector connected to the second arm and having a second connector axis about which a second wheel rotates when connected to the second connector, the second connector axis is parallel to the second axis, and a motion restrainer comprising a spring and a damper and interconnecting the first arm and the second ram.

A detachable modular mobile autonomy module (MAM) for a modular autonomous bot apparatus includes a housing with latching points, an autonomous controller, location circuitry, external sensors monitoring an environment external to the MAM and providing sensor data to the controller, multi-element light panels on the housing driven by the controller; and a modular component power and data bus. The bus has a bottom side modular component electronics interface disposed on the housing that mates to a corresponding interface on another proximately-attached modular component of the bot. The MAM receives sensor data from the external sensors, receives outside sensor data from additional sensors disposed on a mobility unit of the bot, generates steering and propulsion control output signals based on location data from the location circuitry, external sensor data, mobility unit sensor data, and destination information data maintained by the controller, and generates transport and delivery information for the light panels.

A modular multiple mobility base assembly apparatus is described for transporting an item being shipped having a base adapter plate and two cooperating and coordinating modular mobility bases that are each coupled to the bottom of the base adapter plate and collectively support the base adapter plate. One of the modular mobility bases operations a master autonomous mobile vehicle, while the other operates as a slave autonomous mobile vehicle that receives propulsion and steering control signals from the master while providing feedback sensor data to the master for use in coordinated and cooperative movement of the assembly apparatus. Each of the modular mobility bases also including respective wireless transceivers through which at least the control signals and sensor data are provided between mobility base units.

A modular auxiliary power module is described for a modular autonomous bot apparatus that transports an item being shipped. The modular auxiliary power module includes a base adapter platform, a cargo door, an auxiliary power source, and an output power outlet disposed on the base adapter platform as part of a modular component electronics interface. A top side of the base adapter platform has a cargo support area configured to support the item being shipped. Interlocking alignment interfaces (such as channels or latches) are on the top and bottom of the platform. The cargo door is movably attached to and extending from an edge of the base adapter platform, and the output power outlet is coupled to the auxiliary power source and provides access to power for other components of the modular autonomous bot apparatus from the auxiliary power source.

A vehicle includes a frame, a first mounting bracket, and a sway bar assembly. The frame includes a first member including a first opening and a second member including a second opening. The first mounting bracket is disposed proximal the first member and includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel is substantially parallel to a surface of the first member and defines a bar opening that is substantially aligned with the first opening. The second panel extends substantially perpendicular to the first panel and includes an aperture that is substantially aligned with the bar opening. The sway bar assembly includes a bar having a first end and a second end. The bar extends through the first opening and the second opening and is rotatably coupled to the first mounting bracket.

A modular multiple mobility base assembly apparatus is described for transporting an item being shipped having a base adapter plate and two cooperating and coordinating modular mobility bases that are each coupled to the bottom of the base adapter plate and collectively support the base adapter plate. One of the modular mobility bases operations a master autonomous mobile vehicle, while the other operates as a slave autonomous mobile vehicle that receives propulsion and steering control signals from the master while providing feedback sensor data to the master for use in coordinated and cooperative movement of the assembly apparatus. Each of the modular mobility bases also including respective wireless transceivers through which at least the control signals and sensor data are provided between mobility base units.

A modular mobility base for a modular autonomous bot apparatus transporting an item being shipped including a mobile base platform, a component alignment interface, a mobility controller, a propulsion and steering system, and sensors. The component alignment interface provides an alignment channel into which another modular component can be placed and secured on the platform. The mobility controller generates propulsion control signals for controlling speed of the modular mobility base and steering control signals for navigation of the modular mobility base. The propulsion system is connected to the platform and responsive to the propulsion control signal. The steering system is connected to the mobile base platform and is responsive to the steering control signal to cause changes to directional movement of the modular mobility base. The sensors are disposed on the platform provide feedback sensor data to the mobility controller about a condition of the modular mobility base.

Methods and systems for autonomously delivering consumer items in disposable packages, in which the disposable package, with the consumer item inside, are carried under a wheel robot using a grabbing mechanism that holds the package under the wheel robot. The wheel robot straddles over the package to allow the grabbing mechanism access to the package during a loading process, and then straddles off the package at a delivery location after the grabbing mechanism releases the package with the consumer item inside. Releasing of the package can be done by lowering the package to the ground in a controlled manner, or by simply releasing the package above ground thereby dropping the package.

A selectively locking rotational bearing element includes at least one bearing element supporting an outer race for rotational movement and a plurality of locking elements disposed circumferentially about an inner surface of the outer race. An actuator selectively moves the plurality of locking elements into engagement with the outer race to restrict rotational movement of the outer race and selectively move the plurality of locking elements away from engagement with the outer race such that the outer race is free to rotate relative to the locking elements.

Provided are: a main body (45) made of resin; a fastening counterpart (51) formed integrally with the main body; a metal load-receiving member (43) having an embedded part (46) embedded in the main body, and a shaft part (47) extending from the embedded part; and a reinforcement part (53, 55) having a rib (54, 56) and provided in the main body.