Methods and systems are provided for loading and unloading an item onto a vehicle. In one embodiment, a system includes: a loading system configured to receive a locker configured to store the item; a shuttle transfer system configured to transfer the locker to a storage position within the vehicle; and a swing arm system that couples to the loading system and the shuttle transfer system, the swing arm system configured to adjust a position of the loading system relative to the vehicle.

The invention relates to a loading arm assembly for a load-handling vehicle, having a main arm, having an auxiliary arm, and having a gripping hook, wherein the loading arm assembly is configured for unloading and loading transportation containers having a hook, wherein a pivot arm part is disposed on the auxiliary arm so as to be pivotable by way of an articulation, wherein a gripping hook is disposed so as to be pivotable on the pivot arm part. The loading arm assembly is improved in that the pivot arm part in a transporting position engages in a clearance of the auxiliary arm.

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.

Lift frames for a vehicle in this disclosure may include a frame body on a top portion of a frame, the frame body extending from a first end to a second end; a lift mechanism moveable with respect to the first end of the frame body, the lift mechanism comprising: a lift body having a first end and a second end, a lifting surface on the first end of the lift body and the second end of the lift body being positioned so as to be movable with respect to the first end of the frame body, wherein the lifting surface is positioned to engage an underside of a cargo container when placed on an upper side of the frame body; and an inflatable air bag having an upper side and a lower side and mounted on the lower side to a platform positioned on the frame beneath the lift body, wherein the inflatable air bag is connected on the upper side thereof to a mounting surface attached to the lift body; and a source of compressed air in fluid communication with the inflatable air bag. Such lift frames may include one or more such lift mechanisms associated with the compressed air source and the lift frames may be used to load and unload cargo containers locked and supported by the lift frames in transit and unlocked and detached from the lift frames when delivered in an easy and safe manner.

Systems and methods are provided for determining and correcting autonomous transport imbalances. A transport vehicle operates over a route. A fixture plate is coupled to the transport vehicle by a joint to carry a payload. A sensor determines a position of the joint. A controller modifies the operation of the transport vehicle in response to a change in the position of the joint to correct imbalances.

A container including vertical side walls and a horizontal bottom wall coupled with the vertical side walls to define an interior volume. At least one vertical side wall includes an inner wall, a spaced apart outer wall, a top rail coupled with the inner wall, a bottom sill coupled with the inner wall, and a plurality of vertical supports coupled with the inner wall and extending between the top rail and the bottom sill. The inner wall has a first surface area and the outer wall portion has a second surface area that is less than the first surface area. A frame is coupled with the inner wall and supports the outer wall and extends between two of the plurality of vertical supports, the top rail, and the bottom sill. A panel is supported by the frame and disposed on the outer wall.

Apparatuses, methods and systems are provided for forming an autonomous vehicle of an upper body unit configured to consume space in an upward direction to minimize a horizontal footprint and enable a stacking of vehicle components on top of each other in the upward direction; a lower chassis unit configured to oppose the upper body unit and include a structure for supporting the modular unit with prismatic cross members to configure to a range of module unit widths, the lower chassis unit including: a set of structural rails on either side of the lower chassis unit configured in a rigid frame unit with longitudinal members wherein the structural rails can be attached to another corresponding set of structural rails; a plurality of compartment units including: front-compartment, rear-compartment, and mid-compartment units configured to be attached on either side of the lower chassis unit for the forming of the autonomous vehicle.

An autonomous vehicle includes an autonomously driven vehicle frame with a retractable pivot mechanism disposed on a platform surface of the vehicle frame. Changeable utility pods are configured to attach to and be removed from the vehicle frame by way of the retractable pivot mechanism onboard the frame, and autonomously change the vehicle from a passenger transport to a logistics transport by changing utility pods. A processor provides autonomous vehicle operations that include extending the retractable pivot mechanism from a retracted position recessed in the platform surface of the vehicle frame to an extended position that engages a utility pod conveyor channel. The retractable pivot mechanism engages a conveyor channel disposed on a mating surface of a utility pod, and conveys the utility pod along the conveyor channel to a centered and laterally-aligned position on the vehicle frame by rotating the pod into position once centered over the pivot mechanism.

An autonomous mobile robot including frame defining a payload holding area with a payload seating surface, and having a wheeled traverse system dependent from the frame for substantially free unrestricted roving of the autonomous mobile robot on a riding surface in a facility space, at least one drive section connected to the frame, and at least one motor defining at least one independent degree of freedom; and an articulated pick arm dependent from the frame, the articulated pick arm having an end effector configured so as to stably hold a container therewith, and being operably connected to the at least one motor so that the at least one independent degree of freedom extends and retracts, and raises and lowers the articulated pick arm defining a range of motion of the end effector spanning from an elevation below a lowermost level of the payload seating surface onto the payload seating surface.

A gate assembly comprising of a track comprising a vertical portion and two angular portions on opposing sides of the hopper. A pair of rectangular gates each comprising a longitudinal edge and opposing lateral edges slidingly engaged on the track allows the gates to move between a lowered, closed position and a raised, open position. A hinge combines the longitudinal edge of each of the pair of rectangular gates and allows them to pivot toward and away from each other during closing and opening, respectively.