An anchor spade attachment is disclosed and includes a ground engaging component comprising a platform, a first plurality of teeth and a second plurality of teeth. A first body is longitudinally affixed to the ground engaging component. A second body is longitudinally affixed to the first body. A reinforcing plate is affixed to the platform, the first body, and the second body. The reinforcing plate is positioned orthogonal to the platform. The first plurality of teeth is positioned orthogonal and adjacent to the platform. The second plurality of teeth is positioned orthogonal and adjacent to the platform. The first body and the second body are each positioned orthogonal to the ground engaging component. The first body is centrally positioned on the platform. The platform longitudinally traverses the first body. The second body longitudinally traverses the first body. The second body extends beyond the first body.

Systems and methods provide for enabling an autonomous vehicle to provide road assistance to a vehicle. The autonomous vehicle can analyze sensor data about the vehicle captured by one or more of its sensors as it navigates a route. Based on the analysis of the sensor data, the autonomous vehicle can determine that the vehicle needs maintenance. The autonomous vehicle can proactively send a request, based on the determination, to initiate a towing mechanism to tow the vehicle. Based on receiving an acceptance of the request from the vehicle, the autonomous vehicle can activate the towing mechanism.

A front tow extended saddle configured for mounting a vehicle to a towing vehicle and a method of towing a vehicle using the front tow extended saddle are provided. The front tow extended saddle includes front, middle, and rear portions, with the front and rear portions extending along different planes. A protective cover extends along the front tow extended saddle and is supported above the wheels of the towing vehicle.

Methods and systems for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle routing are disclosed. Roadway suitability for autonomous operation is scored to facilitate use in route determination. Maps of roadways suitable for various levels of autonomous operation may be generated. Such map data may be used by autonomous vehicles or other computer devices in determining routes based upon criteria for vehicle trips. Such routes may be automatically updated based upon changes in road conditions, vehicle conditions, operator conditions, or environmental conditions. Emergency routing using such map data is described, such as automatic routing and travel when a passenger is experiencing a medical emergency.

Methods and systems for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle routing are disclosed. Roadway suitability for autonomous operation is scored to facilitate use in route determination. Maps of roadways suitable for various levels of autonomous operation may be generated. Such map data may be used by autonomous vehicles or other computer devices in determining routes based upon criteria for vehicle trips. Such routes may be automatically updated based upon changes in road conditions, vehicle conditions, operator conditions, or environmental conditions. Emergency routing using such map data is described, such as automatic routing and travel when a passenger is experiencing a medical emergency.

Methods and systems for repairing a malfunctioning autonomous vehicle (AV) or semi-autonomous vehicle (SAV) are described herein. The AV or SAV may determine that an autonomous feature or sensor is malfunctioning and the extent of the damage to the autonomous feature or sensor. Then the AV or SAV may compare the extent of the damage to a predetermined threshold to determine whether the AV or SAV remains serviceable or otherwise road worthy. If the AV or SAV remains serviceable, the AV or SAV may locate the nearest repair facility having the necessary electronic components in stock and technical expertise for repairing the AV or SAV. Then the AV or SAV may request the nearest repair facility to send an autonomous repair vehicle to the current location of the AV or SAV to facilitate repair.

A wheel grid includes a crossbar configured to be coupled to a boom of a tow vehicle and including a distal tip. The wheel grid further includes an L-arm rotatably coupled to the crossbar at a proximal end of the L-arm and configured to rotate from an engaged position to a stowed position. As the L-arm rotates from the engaged position to the stowed position, a distal portion of the L-arm intersects with a vertical line passing through the respective left or right distal tip of the crossbar. In the stowed position, the distal portion of the L-arm is positioned laterally inward relative to the distal tip of the crossbar.

A towing safety device is attached to a tow or winch line to dampen the recoil of a line if connecting hardware fails during towing or pulling. The dampener comprises a reversibly closable opening and may be stored empty and folded in a vehicle when not in use. When filled with weighted matter, such as sand, soil or stones found in the field and attached to the towing hardware and tow line at two points, the towing safety device is deployed to avoid or reduce the likelihood of injury or property damage that can occur with a freely ricocheting line.

Methods and systems for assessing, detecting, and responding to malfunctions involving components of autonomous vehicle and/or smart homes are described herein. Autonomous operation features and related components can be assessed using direct or indirect data regarding operation. Such assessment may be performed to determine the condition of components for salvage following a collision or other loss-event. To this end, the information regarding a plurality of components may be received. A component of the plurality of components may be identified for assessment. Assessment may including causing test signals to be sent to the identified component. In response to the test signal, one or more responses may be received. The received response may be compared to an expected response to determine whether the identified component is salvageable.

Methods and systems for assessing, detecting, and responding to malfunctions involving components of autonomous vehicle and/or smart homes are described herein. Autonomous operation features and related components can be assessed using direct or indirect data regarding operation. Such assessment may be performed to determine the condition of components for salvage following a collision or other loss-event. To this end, the information regarding a plurality of components may be received. A component of the plurality of components may be identified for assessment. Assessment may including causing test signals to be sent to the identified component. In response to the test signal, one or more responses may be received. The received response may be compared to an expected response to determine whether the identified component is salvageable.