A modular multiple mobility base assembly apparatus is described for transporting an item being shipped having a base adapter plate and two cooperating and coordinating modular mobility bases that are each coupled to the bottom of the base adapter plate and collectively support the base adapter plate. One of the modular mobility bases operations a master autonomous mobile vehicle, while the other operates as a slave autonomous mobile vehicle that receives propulsion and steering control signals from the master while providing feedback sensor data to the master for use in coordinated and cooperative movement of the assembly apparatus. Each of the modular mobility bases also including respective wireless transceivers through which at least the control signals and sensor data are provided between mobility base units.

Methods are described that perform a dispatched inventory operation related to an inventory item within a modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly and a dispatch server. modular mobile autonomy control module (MAM) receives an inventory dispatch command from the dispatch server and a modular cargo storage system (CSS) receives the inventory item at an inventory hub location. The MAM autonomously causes the assembly to then move to a remote business facility as a destination location, receive authentication input from an authorized delivery recipient, coordinates with the CSS to provide selective access to the inventory item, detects when the inventory item has been removed from within the CSS, and autonomously causes the assembly to move on a return route back to the inventory hub location after removal of the inventory item.

Methods are described that perform dispatched store-to-consumer logistics operations for an ordered item using a modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly and a dispatch server. A dispatch command is received from the dispatch server. The different modular components of the bot assembly are verified to be compatible with the dispatched operation and the ordered item is received in a payload area of a modular cargo storage system. The bot assembly autonomously moves from an origin location to a destination location and notifies the delivery recipient of the approach delivery. When delivery recipient authentication input is received that correlates to the authentication information, selective access is provided to the ordered item within the cargo storage system at the destination location. The bot apparatus monitors unloading, and autonomously moves back to the origin location after the ordered item is detected as removed from the cargo storage system.

A modular auxiliary power module is described for a modular autonomous bot apparatus that transports an item being shipped. The modular auxiliary power module includes a base adapter platform, a cargo door, an auxiliary power source, and an output power outlet disposed on the base adapter platform as part of a modular component electronics interface. A top side of the base adapter platform has a cargo support area configured to support the item being shipped. Interlocking alignment interfaces (such as channels or latches) are on the top and bottom of the platform. The cargo door is movably attached to and extending from an edge of the base adapter platform, and the output power outlet is coupled to the auxiliary power source and provides access to power for other components of the modular autonomous bot apparatus from the auxiliary power source.

Methods perform one or more dispatched medical logistics operations using a modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly and a dispatch server where the operations are related to a diagnosis kit for treating a patient. The MAM of the bot receives a dispatch command, verifies compatibility of the bot assembly with the dispatched operation(s), receives a diagnosis kit in the CSS, has the MAM autonomously causing the MB to move to a destination location while notifying the authorized delivery recipient for the diagnosis kit of the approaching delivery. With appropriate authentication input received, the MAM coordinates with the CSS to provide access to the kit, monitor unloading of the kit, provide instructional information on use of the kit, and autonomously cause the MB to return to the original location with a return item related to the diagnosis kit with notification to personnel at the medical entity about the return item.

A collapsible container assembly that includes a first lateral side wall having a door frame and a first shear wall, a second lateral side wall that opposes the first lateral side wall and includes a wall panel and a second shear wall, an outboard wall that includes upper and lower panels that are pivotably connected to one another, an inboard wall that opposes the outboard wall and includes upper and lower panels that are pivotably connected to one another, a base and a top. The first shear wall is pivotable between a use position where the first shear wall is not positioned in the door frame interior and a stowed position where the first shear wall is positioned in the door frame interior. The second shear wall is pivotable between a use position where the second shear wall is not positioned in the wall panel interior and a stowed position where the second shear wall is positioned in the wall panel interior. The door frame, wall panel, inboard wall and outboard wall are pivotably connected to the base, and the inboard wall and outboard wall are pivotably connected to the top.

A container employs a reusable frame that folds into a compact profile that can be stacked for efficient handling between uses, thus greatly reducing waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. The container has external dimensions emulating those of existing single-use containers, including those designed to accommodate pliable plastic pouch liners for transport and dispensing of material. The container includes a front side having a 17.5 radius cutout to accept a 35 mm fitment of a standard pliable plastic pouch liner, and includes a sliding door which captures and holds the liner fast in place. The container includes a top side having a hinged, latching door with one or more hinges to allow insertion and removal of a pliable plastic pouch. A latching, sliding door allowing access to a dispensing nipple of a contained pliable plastic pouch when inserted into the container.

A modular autonomous cart assembly for transporting an item being shipped is described with a sensor-equipped mobility base that carries the item(s), a modular cart handle, a sensor-equipped modular mobile cart autonomy control module detachably attached to the modular handle, all sharing a modular common power and data transport bus. The autonomous controller of the modular control module is programmatically adapted operative to establish a secure connection to a wireless mobile courier node, locate the courier node and the cart assembly, receive sensor data from the base and control module sensors, generate steering and propulsion control commands using the locations and sensor data and send them to a controller on the mobility base so that the assembly can autonomously track and follow the current location of the courier node as the courier node moves and while maintaining a predetermined follow distance from the current location of the courier node.

A modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly is described for transporting an item being shipped. The assembly includes a modular mobility base having propulsion, steering, sensors for collision avoidance, and suspension actuators; a modular auxiliary power module with a power source and cargo door; a modular cargo storage system with folding structural walls and a latching system; and a modular mobile autonomy module that covers the cargo storage system and provides human interaction interfaces, externals sensors, a wireless interface, and an autonomous controller with interfacing circuitry coupled to the human interaction interfaces and sensors on the mobile autonomy module. The assembly has a power and data transport bus that provides a communication and power conduit across the different modular components. A method for on-demand assembly of such a bot apparatus is further described with steps for authenticating the different modular components during assembly.

A modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly is described for transporting an item being shipped. The assembly includes a modular mobility base having propulsion, steering, sensors for collision avoidance, and suspension actuators; a modular auxiliary power module with a power source and cargo door; a modular cargo storage system with folding structural walls and a latching system; and a modular mobile autonomy module that covers the cargo storage system and provides human interaction interfaces, externals sensors, a wireless interface, and an autonomous controller with interfacing circuitry coupled to the human interaction interfaces and sensors on the mobile autonomy module. The assembly has a power and data transport bus that provides a communication and power conduit across the different modular components. A method for on-demand assembly of such a bot apparatus is further described with steps for authenticating the different modular components during assembly.