Systems and methods are directed to automated cleaning systems for vehicles. In one example, a vehicle is provided that includes a drive system, a passenger cabin, and a vehicle cleaning system. The vehicle cleaning system includes a vacuum unit and a robotic manipulator. The robotic manipulator includes an arm including a plurality of arm sections and a gripper unit positioned at a distal end of the arm. The robotic manipulator is connected to the vacuum unit such that the arm provides a vacuum path between the vacuum unit and the gripper unit.

Systems and methods are directed to automated cleaning systems for vehicles. In one example, a vehicle is provided that includes a drive system, a passenger cabin, and a vehicle cleaning system. The vehicle cleaning system includes a vacuum unit and a robotic manipulator. The robotic manipulator includes an arm including a plurality of arm sections and a gripper unit positioned at a distal end of the arm. The robotic manipulator is connected to the vacuum unit such that the arm provides a vacuum path between the vacuum unit and the gripper unit.

An autonomous vehicle (AV) implements a health protocol that may reduce pathogen transmission between users of the AV. The AV is equipped with a thermal sensor that captures a body temperature of a user. The AV compares the user's temperature to a threshold temperature, and if the user's temperature exceeds the threshold temperature, the AV performs checks to ensure that the user's planned trip follows current regulations or recommendations. For example, the AV confirms that the user is traveling between the user's home and a healthcare facility. If the trip is permitted, the AV enables the user to enter the AV. The AV may include a disinfectant system for disinfecting the passenger compartment or surfaces after the user exits the AV.

A vacuum cleaner assembly configured to be mounted in a vehicle. The vacuum cleaner assembly includes a vacuum module and a collector module configured to collect debris and operatively coupled to the vacuum module. The collector module includes a canister assembly with an intake port, an output port, and a flapper valve coupled to the intake port. An elbow assembly couples the vacuum module to the collector module and includes an intake end attached to the output port of the canister assembly. The intake end has a foam section disposed on a grill insert. Upon removal of the canister assembly from the collector module, the flapper valve moves to a closed position over the intake port of the canister assembly to keep debris contained in the canister assembly, and the grill insert and the foam section remain in place in the intake end of the elbow assembly.

A vacuum cleaner assembly configured to be mounted in a vehicle. The vacuum cleaner assembly includes a vacuum module and a collector module configured to collect debris and operatively coupled to the vacuum module. The collector module includes a canister assembly with an intake port, an output port, and a flapper valve coupled to the intake port. An elbow assembly couples the vacuum module to the collector module and includes an intake end attached to the output port of the canister assembly. The intake end has a foam section disposed on a grill insert. Upon removal of the canister assembly from the collector module, the flapper valve moves to a closed position over the intake port of the canister assembly to keep debris contained in the canister assembly, and the grill insert and the foam section remain in place in the intake end of the elbow assembly.

A system for and a method of eliminating a virus within a vehicle. The system includes a sterilizer positioned within a vehicle and configured to eliminate a virus within the vehicle while operating, a detection sensor that detects whether or not an occupant is present within the vehicle, and a sterilization controller that controls operation of the sterilizer with a preset operation profile on the basis of a result of the detection sensor detecting whether or not the occupant is present within the vehicle.

A system for and a method of eliminating a virus within a vehicle. The system includes a sterilizer positioned within a vehicle and configured to eliminate a virus within the vehicle while operating, a detection sensor that detects whether or not an occupant is present within the vehicle, and a sterilization controller that controls operation of the sterilizer with a preset operation profile on the basis of a result of the detection sensor detecting whether or not the occupant is present within the vehicle.

A system for disinfecting a mass transit vehicle includes a storage tank for storing a disinfection solution. A plurality of nozzles are installed in the interior of the mass transit vehicle. The plurality of nozzles projecting droplets of the disinfection solution into the interior of the mass transit vehicle when the system is activated. A pump pumps the disinfection solution from the storage tank to the plurality of nozzles on the interior of the mass transit vehicle. A control switch initiates operation of the system. A system indicator indicates an operational status of the system. A controller controls the operation of the pump responsive to an input from the control switch. Responsive to actuation of the control switch to a first position, the controller actuates the system indicator for a first predetermined period of time and actuates the pump to pump the disinfection solution from the storage tank to the plurality of nozzles on the interior of the mass transit vehicle for a second predetermined period of time after expiration of the first predetermined period of time.

A system for disinfecting a mass transit vehicle includes a storage tank for storing a disinfection solution. A plurality of nozzles are installed in the interior of the mass transit vehicle. The plurality of nozzles projecting droplets of the disinfection solution into the interior of the mass transit vehicle when the system is activated. A pump pumps the disinfection solution from the storage tank to the plurality of nozzles on the interior of the mass transit vehicle. A control switch initiates operation of the system. A system indicator indicates an operational status of the system. A controller controls the operation of the pump responsive to an input from the control switch. Responsive to actuation of the control switch to a first position, the controller actuates the system indicator for a first predetermined period of time and actuates the pump to pump the disinfection solution from the storage tank to the plurality of nozzles on the interior of the mass transit vehicle for a second predetermined period of time after expiration of the first predetermined period of time.

A vehicle comprising an interior; a heat source in thermal communication with the interior; a source of ultraviolet light disposed to emit the ultraviolet light into the interior; and a controller in communication with the heat source and the source of the ultraviolet light, the controller configured to cause (i) the heat source to increase a temperature of the interior, (ii) the source of the ultraviolet light to emit the ultraviolet light into the interior, or (iii) both (i) and (ii) upon receiving a command from a remote user interface. The vehicle can further include a combustion engine that combusts fuel to propel the vehicle. The vehicle can further include a battery in electrical communication with the source of the ultraviolet light and in communication with the controller, the battery having a voltage.