A hoverbarrow apparatus is provided to mechanically lift objects to be transported using a cushion of turbulent air as the force providing the lift. The air cushion methods of lift drastically reduce the physical exertion necessary for motion, forward or reverse, required to perform the task of transporting objects. The air cushion further improves the performance and use of the barrow by allowing the barrow to float on turbulent air over objects in its path significantly reducing or eliminating impressions and divots in the surface currently associated with the present wheelbarrow technology.

An embodiment power mobility device (PMD) module coupling structure for a vehicle includes a coupling assembly disposed on a PMD module and a lift assembly disposed on a vehicle body facing an upper end of the PMD module so as to correspond to the coupling assembly, wherein a part of the lift assembly is insertable into the coupling assembly to mutually fix the PMD module and the lift assembly to each other.

A logistics system is provided for shipping items using a vehicle. A system of this type comprises: an item supply system which is designed to be transported in a vehicle; and a data management system which is designed to link at least one item, present in at least one position in the item supply system, with at least information from at least one sales order, and is designed to link all components of the logistics system with at least one external input or output device such that they interact. Depending on the information from the at least one sales order, the at least one position of the at least one item in the item supply system is variable, and the at least one item is removably stored in the item supply system.

An autonomous vehicle comprises a main body, wheels, and powered actuation systems modifying the relative positioning between each wheel and the main body. A grabbing mechanism holds a load beneath the main body. The actuation systems serve dual purposes: providing active suspension during forward motion and enabling coordinated movements to manipulate the load relative to the ground (e.g., lifting or lowering). The vehicle may be sized for sidewalk traversal and deliver consumer items, potentially in disposable packages held by the grabbing mechanism. Manipulation includes lowering and releasing the load, or positioning over, grabbing, and lifting the load. Active suspension maintains load-to-ground clearance during transport, potentially functioning as springs/dampers. Sensors provide environmental data for generating 3D representations used in controlling actuation for load manipulation. Methods include transporting the load using wheels while providing active suspension, and upon arrival, using the actuation systems for coordinated load manipulation and release.

A mobile fulfillment system includes a shipper system that collects and manages customer information and order data input from customers; a fulfillment platform that receives the customer information and order data from the shipper system and controls vehicle control and dispatch accordingly; and a mobile fulfillment center that includes a plurality of vehicles dispatched from the fulfillment platform and delivers products to customers and monitors delivery status according to the customer information and order data.