In one embodiment, one or more suspension systems of a vehicle may be used to mitigate motion sickness by limiting motion in one or more frequency ranges. In another embodiment, an active suspension may be integrated with an autonomous vehicle architecture. In yet another embodiment, the active suspension system of a vehicle may be used to induce motion in a vehicle. The vehicle may be used as a testbed for technical investigations and/or as a platform to enhance the enjoyment of video and/or audio by vehicle occupants. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to perform gestures as a means of communication with persons inside or outside the vehicle. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to generate haptic warnings to a vehicle operator or other persons in response to certain road situations.

Some embodiments of the disclosure are directed to vehicular retrieval, transportation, and/or deposition of payloads. In some embodiments, a vehicle is configured to identify and approach, via a plurality of propulsion components, a respective payload. In some embodiments, the vehicle is configured to adjust a height of a chassis of the vehicle, via the plurality of control legs, with respect to a reference to position interior portions of the chassis around a surface of the respective payload. In some embodiments, the vehicle is configured to engage with, via a latching system, the respective payload. In some embodiments, the vehicle is configured to transport the respective payload, via the plurality of propulsion components, to a respective target location. In some embodiments, the vehicle is configured to disengage from the respective payload, via the latching system, to deposit the respective payload at the respective target location.

A method for controlling vehicle motion is described. The method includes accessing a set of control signals including a measured vehicle speed value associated with a movement of a vehicle. A control signal associated with user-induced input is also accessed. The method compares the measured vehicle speed value with a predetermined vehicle speed threshold value to achieve a speed value threshold approach status, and then compares the set of values to achieve a user-induced input threshold value approach status. The method monitors a state of a valve within the vehicle suspension damper, and determines a control mode for the vehicle suspension damper. The method also regulates damping forces within the vehicle suspension damper.

Some embodiments may provide a method for a desired operating environment. A signal to place a vehicle in a designated mode corresponding to a desired operating environment may be received. The designated mode may include modifications to one or more default operating characteristics of the vehicle. The modifications may be while the vehicle is in parked mode and a vehicle access key associated with the vehicle is within proximity of the vehicle. In response to receiving the signal, characteristics of the vehicle to be modified in order to create the desired operating environment may be identified. The default operating characteristics may relate to lighting or displays controlled by the vehicle, sounds controlled by the vehicle, or a passive entry system of the vehicle. One or more settings of the vehicle to change the default operating characteristics of the vehicle while in the designated mode may be modified.

Aspects of the present invention relate to a method and to a control system for controlling an active suspension of a vehicle, the control system comprising one or more controllers, the control system configured to: obtain information indicative of a change of gradient of a driving surface in a direction of travel; and control the active suspension to adjust relative ride height between a front and rear of a vehicle body of the vehicle above the driving surface beneath the vehicle in dependence on the change of gradient.

Aspects of the present invention relate to an actuator system for a vehicle suspension system comprising: a first actuator comprising a piston, a first upper fluidic chamber and a second lower fluidic chamber, the first and second fluidic chambers separated by the piston; a second actuator comprising a piston, a first upper fluidic chamber and a second lower fluidic chamber, the first and second fluidic chambers separated by the piston; a first hydraulic gallery fluidly connecting the first upper fluidic chamber of the first actuator and one of the first and second fluidic chambers of the second actuator; a second hydraulic gallery fluidly connecting the second lower fluidic chamber of the first actuator and the other of the first and second fluidic chambers of the second actuator; and at least one pump configured to pump fluid between the first and second hydraulic galleries.

A method for controlling vehicle motion is described. The method includes accessing a set of control signals including a measured vehicle speed value associated with a movement of a vehicle. A control signal associated with user-induced input is also accessed. The method compares the measured vehicle speed value with a predetermined vehicle speed threshold value to achieve a speed value threshold approach status, and then compares the set of values to achieve a user-induced input threshold value approach status. The method monitors a state of a valve within the vehicle suspension damper, and determines a control mode for the vehicle suspension damper. The method also regulates damping forces within the vehicle suspension damper.

A closed leveling system for a vehicle includes a suspension system having a number of corners, and each corner includes at least one strut to be coupled to at least one wheel of the vehicle. The closed leveling system also includes a sensor and a master controller in communication with the sensor. The master controller includes a memory device including computer-readable instructions, and a processor in communication with the memory device. The leveling system also includes a power module assembly including a reservoir containing compressible liquid, a pump configured to withdraw the compressible liquid from the reservoir, a dump valve configured to transfer the compressible liquid into the reservoir, and isolation valves. Each isolation valve is associated with at least one corner. The leveling system further includes secondary volumes in selective fluid communication with the reservoir. Each secondary volume is associated with one isolation valve and at least one corner.

Some embodiments may provide a method for a desired operating environment. A signal to place a vehicle in a designated mode corresponding to a desired operating environment may be received. The designated mode may include modifications to one or more default operating characteristics of the vehicle. The modifications may be while the vehicle is in parked mode and a vehicle access key associated with the vehicle is within proximity of the vehicle. In response to receiving the signal, characteristics of the vehicle to be modified in order to create the desired operating environment may be identified. The default operating characteristics may relate to power-consuming features or available power for connected accessories. One or more settings of the vehicle to change the default operating characteristics of the vehicle while in the designated mode may be modified.

Particular embodiments may enable configuring settings of a vehicle in a designated mode. A signal to perform a vehicle leveling process using an electronically controlled suspension of a vehicle may be received. A roll angle and a pitch angle of the vehicle as parked may be assessed based on data received from a position sensor built into the vehicle. Signals to adjust an electronically controlled suspension of the vehicle to reduce the roll angle or the pitch angle so that the vehicle is level as parked may be sent based on the assessed roll angle and pitch angle exceeding a threshold value. Data may be transmitted to present information related to the vehicle leveling process in a graphical user interface.