Methods and associated systems for autonomous package delivery utilize a UAS/UAV, an infrared positioning senor, and a docking station integrated with a package delivery vehicle. The UAS/UAV accepts a package for delivery from the docking station on the delivery vehicle and uploads the delivery destination. The UAS/UAV autonomously launches from its docked position on the delivery vehicle. The UAS/UAV autonomously flies to the delivery destination by means of GPS navigation. The UAS/UAV is guided in final delivery by means of a human supervised live video feed from the UAS/UAV. The UAS/UAV is assisted in the descent and delivery of the parcel by precision sensors and if necessary by means of remote human control. The UAS/UAV autonomously returns to the delivery vehicle by means of GPS navigation and precision sensors. The UAS/UAV autonomously docks with the delivery vehicle for recharging and preparation for the next delivery sequence.

A method for planning an operating strategy for a vehicle having an energy storage device and an electric drive capable of regenerative braking. The storage device can be charged during regenerative braking and at a charging station. The method includes: determining a position along a route along which the vehicle can travel and which has a charging station; identifying a first permitted state of charge for charging the storage device at the charging station for driving along the route and a second permitted state of charge for charging the storage device at the charging station in order to travel along a worst-case route that can be traveled from the first charging station; identifying a limitation of the first permitted state of charge when traveling along the route, the limitation being based on the second permitted state of charge; and planning the operating strategy taking the limitation into account.

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.

The present disclosure relates to a battery system for a hybrid or an electric vehicle. Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a battery assembly designed for easy and quick exchange of battery assemblies enabling a vehicle to resume driving much more quickly than traditional charging permits.

In an electromagnetic transport system, a transport route is divided into transport sections, each including at least one transport segment. A section control unit is assigned to each transport section, and a segment controller is assigned to each transport segment. A logistics unit, specifies a destination of the transport units to the section control units via the logistics network. Section control units are connected to the segment controllers of associated transport segments via a segment network and are designed to; determine a track section for the associated transport section from the destination, determine target values using the track section and to transmit the target values to the segment controllers via the segment network. Segment controllers supply current to drive coils using target values and occurring actual values to generate a magnetic field which interacts with drive magnets of the transport units to move the transport units.

A method for discharging a capacitor. An active discharge circuit is connected in parallel with the capacitor. An interface provides a signal connection between a message-based communication system and the active discharge circuit. The interface comprises at least one input for receiving messages from the message-based communication system. The interface comprises a wake-up functionality. The at least one input comprises an input for the wake-up functionality. The method comprises: receiving at the input for the wake-up functionality a disable discharge command message of said messages for the disabling of the discharge of the capacitor, wherein upon cessation of the disable discharge command message the discharge of the capacitor is enabled. An apparatus for the discharge of a capacitor, wherein the apparatus comprises the interface and the active discharge circuit connectable in parallel with the capacitor.

There is provided a control system for a vehicle comprising a powertrain comprising a plurality of energy sources and for transporting cargo, the control system being configured to optimise the control of the powertrain by accounting for variations in one or more properties of the cargo. More specifically a controller and related control system for the energy balancing of the vehicle taking into consideration such factors as fuel usage, power management between the various power generating and storage sub-systems, regenerative braking, terrain topology, weather and other environmental conditions, operation of vehicle peripherals and parasitic power demands in addition to cargo management and environmental needs and driver comfort and safety, as well as vehicle fleet management.

A refuse vehicle including a chassis a body assembly coupled to the chassis, the body assembly defining a refuse compartment, an electric energy system, and an auxiliary power system comprising a reservoir to hold a hydraulic fluid, and a hydraulic pump powered by an electric motor, wherein the hydraulic pump pressurizes the hydraulic fluid to power one or more actuators, and wherein at least one of the electric energy system or the auxiliary power system is configured to provide power to a carry can.

An EV Trailer Auxiliary Rechargeable Battery storage system is designed to store energy via rechargeable batteries. The system is designed to be attached/secured to the undercarriage, frame, or chassis of any type of trailer. The rechargeable batteries intern provides the necessary energy required to increased overall mileage or distance of the electric EV towing vehicle, tractor or power unit when attached to the trailer in combination, as well assist in meeting the daily energy consumption of the electric EV towing vehicle, tractor, or power unit. The System is designed independently to be charged at a standalone charging station when parked at a warehouse, truck stops or recreational locations via the charging ports on the trailer or when the electric EV towing vehicle, tractor, or power unit and the trailer is attached in combination

A breakaway mitigation system is provided for addressing breakaway between a tractor and a trailer unit of a truck. The breakaway mitigation system can include a spool assembly, a sensor, and a controller. The spool assembly has a spool body configured to deploy a length of a tether coupled with the spool body and configured to couple with an energy source supply conduit and to retract the length of the tether. The energy source supply conduit is configured to convey a source of energy for use by a motor or by a fuel cell. The sensor is configured to detect the length of the tether that has been deployed. The controller is configured to receive an input corresponding to the detected length and to implement a countermeasure when the detected amount exceeds a threshold value. Mitigation can be provided by a coupler that decouples under a load over a threshold.