Braking systems and methods for an autonomous vehicle are provided. Braking devices are associated with respective wheels of the autonomous vehicle. A hydraulic circuit is connected between a primary braking module (PBM) and the braking devices and connected between a secondary braking module (SBM) and the braking devices. One of a PBM electronic control unit and a SBM electronic control unit is configured to: in response to detecting a communications failure of the other braking module, apply a predetermined hydraulic pressure operation in the hydraulic circuit. The other of the PBM electronic control unit and the SBM electronic control unit is configured to identify, based on output from the at least one sensor, the predetermined hydraulic pressure operation being applied by the one of the PBM electronic control unit and the SBM electronic control unit, and select and execute a braking profile based thereon.

A weight profile determination system may be provided that includes a sensor and a controller. The sensor may be disposed along a route and configured to generate a plurality of force measurements of a vehicle system moving on the route relative to the sensor. The force measurements may be obtained at different times and correspond to different locations along a length of the vehicle system. The controller may determine a weight profile for the vehicle system based on the force measurements generated by the sensor. The weight profile can represent a distribution of weight along the length of the vehicle system. The controller may communicate the weight profile to one or more of the vehicle system or an offboard device for controlling movement of the vehicle system based on the weight profile.

A power generation system for wheeled objects comprises a generator mechanically coupled to one or more of the object's wheels to convert wheel rotational energy into electrical energy. The power generation system may comprise an electrical storage device configured to store the electrical power produced by the generator. Power from the generator and/or the electrical storage device can be used to provide power to other electrical systems in or on the object. In certain embodiments, the electrical storage device comprises a bank of high-capacity capacitors connected in series. Some embodiments use a control circuit, for example, to regulate the charging and discharging of the capacitor bank and to provide suitable voltages for other systems. The power generation system may be disposed within an object's wheel, such as a wheel of a shopping cart.

A power generation system for wheeled objects comprises a generator mechanically coupled to one or more of the object's wheels to convert wheel rotational energy into electrical energy. The power generation system may comprise an electrical storage device configured to store the electrical power produced by the generator. Power from the generator and/or the electrical storage device can be used to provide power to other electrical systems in or on the object. In certain embodiments, the electrical storage device comprises a bank of high-capacity capacitors connected in series. Some embodiments use a control circuit, for example, to regulate the charging and discharging of the capacitor bank and to provide suitable voltages for other systems. The power generation system may be disposed within an object's wheel, such as a wheel of a shopping cart.

A method of operating a vehicle, such as an autonomous vehicle, includes the steps of receiving a message from roadside infrastructure via an electronic receiver and providing, by a computer system in communication with said electronic receiver, instructions based on the message to automatically implement countermeasure behavior by a vehicle system. Additionally or alternatively, the method may include the steps of receiving a message from another vehicle via an electronic receiver and providing, by a computer system in communication with said electronic receiver, instructions based on the message to automatically implement countermeasure behavior by a vehicle system.

A soft body system adapted to form the body and exterior surface of a Guided Soft Target for testing crash avoidance technologies in a subject vehicle is disclosed. The soft body system is adapted to be mounted atop a motorized Dynamic Motion Element (DME) and when so mounted is adapted to collide with the subject vehicle while the DME is moving. The soft body system includes a semi-rigid form with an exterior surface. The form is sufficiently yielding so as to impart a minimal force to the subject vehicle upon impact. The form may be shaped like a vehicle or a part of a vehicle. The exterior surface includes a side skirt made of radar absorptive material (RAM), radar reflective material (RRM) or a combination of both, which is positioned adjacent to the ground and constructed to prevent radar wave from entering the soft body system.

A soft body system adapted to form the body and exterior surface of a Guided Soft Target for testing crash avoidance technologies in a subject vehicle is disclosed. The soft body system is adapted to be mounted atop a motorized Dynamic Motion Element (DME) and when so mounted is adapted to collide with the subject vehicle while the DME is moving. The soft body system includes a semi-rigid form with an exterior surface. The form is sufficiently yielding so as to impart a minimal force to the subject vehicle upon impact. The form may be shaped like a vehicle or a part of a vehicle. The exterior surface includes a side skirt made of radar absorptive material (RAM), radar reflective material (RRM) or a combination of both, which is positioned adjacent to the ground and constructed to prevent radar wave from entering the soft body system.

A vehicular control system includes a camera and a control having a processor that processes image data captured by the camera to determine an approaching vehicle that is approaching an intersection forward of the equipped vehicle. The system determines projected path of the equipped vehicle. Estimated time to arrival of the approaching vehicle at the intersection is determined at least in part by processing of captured image data. Responsive to determination that the equipped vehicle will complete a turn at the intersection before the estimated time to arrival elapses, the system may determine that it is safe to proceed along the projected path of travel. Responsive at least in part to determination that the equipped vehicle will not complete the turn at the intersection before the estimated time to arrival elapses, the system may determine that it is not safe to proceed along the projected path of travel.

A vehicular control system includes a camera and a control having a processor that processes image data captured by the camera to determine an approaching vehicle that is approaching an intersection forward of the equipped vehicle. The system determines projected path of the equipped vehicle. Estimated time to arrival of the approaching vehicle at the intersection is determined at least in part by processing of captured image data. Responsive to determination that the equipped vehicle will complete a turn at the intersection before the estimated time to arrival elapses, the system may determine that it is safe to proceed along the projected path of travel. Responsive at least in part to determination that the equipped vehicle will not complete the turn at the intersection before the estimated time to arrival elapses, the system may determine that it is not safe to proceed along the projected path of travel.

The present invention provides a braking system (11) for braking a train. The system comprises an electronically controlled pneumatic brake network (ECP) and a brake activation unit (14). The brake activation unit provides status reports regarding the condition of the ECP and comprises at least one sensor for monitoring one or more properties of the ECP, and at least one venting means adapted to vent the pressure from a brake pipe (21). The system also comprises a telecommunication network (15, 17, 19) adapted to communicate with the brake activation unit. The brake activation unit can be activated using the telecommunication network to vent the pressure from the brake pipe, causing the train to brake.