Methods and systems for communicating between autonomous vehicles are described herein. Such communication may be performed for signaling, collision avoidance, path coordination, and/or autonomous control. A computing device may receive data for the same road segment from autonomous vehicles, including (i) an indication of a location within the road segment, and (ii) an indication of a condition of the road segment. The computing device may generate, from the data for the same road segment, an overall indication of the condition of the road segment, which may include a recommendation to vehicles approaching the road segment. Additionally, the computing device may receive a request from a computing device within a vehicle approaching the road segment to display vehicle data. The overall indication for the road segment may then be displayed on a user interface of the computing device.

Methods and systems for communicating between autonomous vehicles are described herein. Such communication may be performed for signaling, collision avoidance, path coordination, and/or autonomous control. A computing device may receive data for the same road segment from autonomous vehicles, including (i) an indication of a location within the road segment, and (ii) an indication of a condition of the road segment. The computing device may generate, from the data for the same road segment, an overall indication of the condition of the road segment, which may include a recommendation to vehicles approaching the road segment. Additionally, the computing device may receive a request from a computing device within a vehicle approaching the road segment to display vehicle data. The overall indication for the road segment may then be displayed on a user interface of the computing device.

Methods and systems for identifying autonomous vehicle users are described herein. An autonomous vehicle may receive a request to pick up a user at a starting location and transport the user to a destination location. Accordingly, the autonomous vehicle may travel to the starting location. Upon arriving at the starting location, the autonomous vehicle may detect whether a person approaching the vehicle is the user by detecting a biometric identifier for the person. The biometric identifier may then be compared to a biometric fingerprint for the user, and if there is a match, the autonomous vehicle may determine that the person is the user. As a result, the user may be allowed to enter the autonomous vehicle and/or the autonomous vehicle may begin travelling to the destination location. Otherwise, the person may be denied entry to the autonomous vehicle.

Methods and systems for assessing, detecting, and responding to malfunctions involving components of autonomous vehicles and/or smart homes are described herein. Autonomous operation features and related components can be assessed using direct or indirect data regarding operation. Vehicle collision and/or smart home incident monitoring, damage detection, and responses are also described, with particular focus on the particular challenges associated with incident response for unoccupied vehicles and/or smart homes. Operating data associated with the autonomous vehicle and/or smart home may be received. Within the operating, an unusual condition indicative of a likelihood of incident may be detected. Based on the unusual condition, it may be determined that the incident occurred. Accordingly, a response to the incident may be determined. The response may be implemented by the autonomous vehicle and/or smart home.

A truck having a tiltable platform or other cargo bed and its methods of use. In some embodiments, the rear suspension of the truck may be lowerable to lower the platform or bed while it undergoes tilting. In other embodiments the rear suspension need not be lowerable and the platform or bed may remain at constant height before, during and after tilting. An integrated hinge and inflatable air bags may be used to move the platform or bed between a horizontal position and a tilted position. One or more loading ramps are deployable to facilitate loading of different types of cargo or vehicles. The platform or bed may be equipped with holes in which pulleys for multiple angles can be placed. Shrouded air bags may be used to prevent unwanted movement or rattling of ramps or other structures.

A retrofit trailer board system for vehicles is disclosed, including a trailer board carrying a plurality of signalling lights on a surface thereof, and a relaying control unit which is connected between the trailer board and a plurality of optical sensors. Each optical sensor is arranged for removable connection to the exterior surface of respective vehicle lights, each sensor being configured to issue a signal responsive to operation of a vehicle light.

A loading platform for a wheeled vehicle. The loading platform comprises a frame extending along a longitudinal axis. The frame comprises an elongated central shell having two spaced-apart elongated beams with an upper end and an elongated central plate secured to and connecting the upper ends of the spaced-apart elongated beams. The frame also comprises cross bracing assemblies extending on opposed sides of the elongated central shell, each one of the cross bracing assemblies including a plurality of intersecting bracing plates secured at a proximal end to a respective one of the elongated beams of the central shell.

A loading platform for a wheeled vehicle. The loading platform comprises a frame extending along a longitudinal axis. The frame comprises an elongated central shell having two spaced-apart elongated beams with an upper end and an elongated central plate secured to and connecting the upper ends of the spaced-apart elongated beams. The frame also comprises cross bracing assemblies extending on opposed sides of the elongated central shell, each one of the cross bracing assemblies including a plurality of intersecting bracing plates secured at a proximal end to a respective one of the elongated beams of the central shell.

Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a tow bar. The tow bar is constructed to be coupled to a towing vehicle and a slingshot motorcycle. The tow bar defines a rectangular aperture. A length of the rectangular aperture is smaller than a diameter of a central tire of the slingshot motorcycle. The tow bar can be fixedly coupled to a pair of chains. Each of the pair of chains is coupleable to a bumper of the towing vehicle.

Methods and systems for communicating between autonomous vehicles are described herein. Such communication may be performed for signaling, collision avoidance, path coordination, and/or autonomous control. A first autonomous vehicle may receive a communication from a second autonomous vehicle travelling on the same road as the first autonomous vehicle, where the communication includes an indication of a maneuver which will be performed by the second autonomous vehicle. The first autonomous vehicle may then analyze the communication to identify a first maneuver for the first autonomous vehicle in response to the second maneuver performed by the second autonomous vehicle. Thus, the first autonomous vehicle may move in accordance with the first maneuver.