The present invention encompasses a system and method for automatically replacing vehicle fluid, such as engine oil, with a robotic serving unit or robotic machine. The robotic machine comprises a motorized, autonomously maneuverable unit that has on its top a drainage arm to connect with an oil drain plug of a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the oil drain plug comprises a hollow interior for the drainage arm to connect with and drain the oil, and can also comprise a sealable element to retain the oil.

A power delivery system having a power receiver and a mobile power transmitter. The mobile power transmitter having a control system having a sensor configured to monitor status data and a processing unit; a drive system operably coupled to the control system to provide propulsion of the mobile power transmitter; a communication system configured to communicate with the power receiver or a user preparing to charge the power receiver identification information; a power source system coupled to the control system configured to provide power for transfer to the power receiver; and a charging system coupled to the control system configured to transmit power from the power storage system to the power receiver. The control system processes the communicated identification information and the monitored status data and instructs the drive system of the mobile power transmitter to relocate to a location of the power receiver.

An automated fueling assembly includes a refueling station that is positioned at a gas station for refueling gas burning vehicles. The refueling station includes a control panel that is movably integrated into the refueling station to facilitate a driver of a vehicle to access the control panel. The refueling station includes a robotic arm that is actuatable to extend into a refueling port in the vehicle for refueling the vehicle without requiring the driver to exit the vehicle. A pair of sensing units is each positioned on a driveway adjacent to the refueling station. Furthermore, the refueling station is turned on when each the sensing units senses the weight of the vehicle.

A portable fuel metering system (PMU) is described. The PMU has one or more flow meters capable of metering the flow of fluids, such as fuel, as the fluid is transferred from a source to a receiver. The PMU may include a telemetry unit configured to transmit parameters related to the fuel transfer to remote location. The PMU may be configured in a light, portable package that may be carried by one or two people. The PMU may include a power generator that is configured to use the flow of fluid to the PMU to generate power for the PMU's operation.

Aspects and implementations of the present disclosure relate, generally, to optimization of the autonomous vehicle technology and, more specifically, to a transfer hub for autonomous trucking operations. The transfer hub supports automated trailer delivery, trailer-tractor matching, trailer-tractor hitching, automated post-hitching visual inspection, automated refueling, parking spot calibration, load verification, load distribution assessment, automated brake inspection, and other improvements to the existing technology.

Aspects and implementations of the present disclosure relate, generally, to optimization of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology and, more specifically, to a transfer hub for autonomous trucking operations. In one example, the disclosed techniques include obtaining, at a first time, one or more first images of an outside environment of an AV and shutting down a data processing system of the AV. The techniques further include initiating a starting-up of the data processing system of the AV and obtaining, at a second time, one or more second images of the outside environment of the AV. The techniques further include determining, based on a comparison of the one or more first images to the one or more second images, that the AV has not moved between the first time and the second time and completing the starting-up of the data processing system of the AV.

A portable fuel metering system (PMU) is described. The PMU has one or more flow meters capable of metering the flow of fluids, such as fuel, as the fluid is transferred from a source to a receiver. The PMU may include a telemetry unit configured to transmit parameters related to the fuel transfer to remote location. The PMU may be configured in a light, portable package that may be carried by one or two people. The PMU may include a power generator that is configured to use the flow of fluid to the PMU to generate power for the PMU's operation.

A portable fuel metering system (PMU) is described. The PMU has one or more flow meters capable of metering the flow of fluids, such as fuel, as the fluid is transferred from a source to a receiver. The PMU may include a telemetry unit configured to transmit parameters related to the fuel transfer to remote location. The PMU may be configured in a light, portable package that may be carried by one or two people. The PMU may include a power generator that is configured to use the flow of fluid to the PMU to generate power for the PMU's operation.