A control device associated with an autonomous vehicle receives sensor data and detects that the autonomous vehicle is approaching a railroad crossing based on the sensor data. The control device determines that no train is approaching the railroad crossing from the sensor data. The control device detects an indication of a stopped vehicle in front of the autonomous vehicle and behind the railroad crossing. The control device determines whether the stopped vehicle is associated with a mandatory stop rule. The mandatory stop rule indicates vehicles carrying hazardous materials have to stop behind the railroad crossing even when no train is approaching or traveling through the railroad crossing. If it is determined that the stopped vehicle is associated with the mandatory stop rule, the control device waits behind the stopped vehicle until the stopped vehicle crosses the railroad crossing and instructs the autonomous vehicle to cross the railroad.

A control device associated with an autonomous vehicle receives sensor data and detects that the autonomous vehicle is approaching a railroad crossing based on the sensor data. The control device determines that the railroad crossing is closed from the sensor data. The control device determines one or more re-routing options from map data. The control device determines whether at least one re-routing option reaches a predetermined destination of the autonomous vehicle. In response to determining that the at least one re-routing option reaches the predetermined destination, the control device selects a particular re-routing option based at least on determining that the autonomous vehicle is able to travel according to the particular re-routing option autonomously. The control device instructs the autonomous vehicle to re-route according to the particular re-routing option.

A control device associated with an autonomous vehicle receives sensor data and detects that the autonomous vehicle is approaching a railroad crossing based on the sensor data. The control device determines a target lane to travel while crossing the railroad. The target lane is a lane that has available space with at least a length of the autonomous vehicle on the other side of the railroad as opposed to a side of the railroad where the autonomous vehicle is currently traveling. The control device instructs the autonomous vehicle to travel on the target lane. The control device determines that a train is approaching the railroad crossing and waits for the train to pass the railroad crossing. The control device determines that the train has passed the railroad crossing. The control device instructs the autonomous vehicle to cross the railroad.

An autonomous vehicle (AV) includes features that allows the AV to comply with applicable regulations and statutes for performing safe driving operation. An example method includes detecting that a group of motorcycles is operating on a roadway on which the AV is located. The group of motorcycles are each located within a pre-determined distance away from one another. The method further includes determining an aggregate footprint area that surrounds respective locations of the group of motorcycles. The method further includes causing navigation of the autonomous vehicle that avoids penetration of the aggregate footprint area based on transmitting navigation instructions to one or more subsystems of the autonomous vehicle.

An example method includes detecting, via sensor data collected from sensors located on the AV, an upcoming object located on a roadway. The method further includes determining, from the sensor data, a relative distance and a relative direction of the upcoming object with respect to the autonomous vehicle. The method further includes mapping the upcoming object to an absolute location with respect to the roadway based on map data that describes upcoming topology of the roadway and a location of the autonomous vehicle. The method further includes associating the upcoming object with a lane of the roadway based on the absolute location mapped to the upcoming object and based on lane geometry data for the roadway. The method further includes operating the autonomous vehicle based on a relationship between the lane associated with the upcoming object and a current lane in which the autonomous vehicle is located.

An autonomous vehicle (AV) includes features that allows the AV to perform safe driving operations. An example method includes detecting that a motorcycle is operating on a roadway on which the autonomous vehicle is located. The method further includes classifying a behavior state of the motorcycle based on a location of the motorcycle relative to a split zone that extends between and into two adjacent lanes of the roadway. The behavior state indicates whether the motorcycle is lane splitting. The method further includes determining, based on the behavior state of the motorcycle, a lane permission parameter that controls whether a given trajectory for the autonomous vehicle can extend into one of the two adjacent lanes. The method further includes causing the autonomous vehicle to operate in accordance with a trajectory that satisfies the lane permission parameter based on transmitting instructions related to the trajectory to subsystems of the autonomous vehicle.

A through the road (TTR) hybridization strategy is proposed to facilitate introduction of hybrid electric vehicle technology in a significant portion of current and expected trucking fleets. In some cases, the technologies can be retrofitted onto an existing vehicle (e.g., a truck, a tractor unit, a trailer, a tractor-trailer configuration, at a tandem, etc.). In some cases, the technologies can be built into new vehicles. In some cases, one vehicle may be built or retrofitted to operate in tandem with another and provide the hybridization benefits contemplated herein. By supplementing motive forces delivered through a primary drivetrain and fuel-fed engine with supplemental torque delivered at one or more electrically-powered drive axles, improvements in overall fuel efficiency and performance may be delivered, typically without significant redesign of existing components and systems that have been proven in the trucking industry.

A hydraulic drive system trailer is provided and generally includes a first rotor assembly arranged along a first side of the frame and having a first rotor and a first drive shaft extending through and connectable with the first rotor, a first motor assembly disposed along the first side of the frame and positioned linearly the first rotor assembly and a second rotor assembly arranged along a second side of the frame that is opposite the first side and having a second rotor and a second drive shaft extending through and connectable with the second rotor.

The disclosure is directed at an apparatus for an active converter dolly for use in a tractor-trailer configuration. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a system to connect a first trailer towed behind a towing vehicle to a second trailer. The apparatus further includes a kinetic energy recovery device for translating the mechanical motions or actions of the dolly into electricity or electrical energy so that this energy can be used to charge a battery or to power other functionality for either the dolly or the tractor-trailer. The active dolly may also operate to assist in shunting the tractor-trailer. The active dolly is operable in a number of modes to increase vehicle performance and efficiency.

A coupling system includes a coupling plug and a coupling receptacle, wherein the coupling plug and the coupling receptacle engage with one another in such a way that the first coupling part makes fluid-tight contact with the first receiving part, the second coupling part makes fluid-tight contact with the second receiving part and the third coupling part makes fluid-tight contact with the third receiving part, and wherein the contact surfaces of the coupling parts and the receiving parts are substantially rotationally symmetrical about the first axis.