Delivering items using autonomous vehicles
First Claim
1. A system comprising:
- a distribution facility at a first location in a first geographic region;
a carrier vehicle;
a first autonomous ground vehicle;
a second autonomous ground vehicle; and
at least one computer system in communication with the carrier vehicle, the first autonomous ground vehicle and the second autonomous ground vehicle, wherein the at least one computer system is configured to execute a method comprising;
predicting, at a first time, a level of demand for a first item in a second geographic region at a second time;
prior to the second time, selecting at least a first number of the first item based at least in part on the level of demand for the first item in the second geographic region at the second time;
prior to the second time, causing at least the first number of the first item to be loaded into at least one of the first autonomous ground vehicle or the second autonomous ground vehicle at the distribution facility;
prior to the second time, causing at least the first autonomous ground vehicle and the second autonomous ground vehicle to be loaded onto the carrier vehicle at the distribution facility; and
causing the carrier vehicle to travel from the first location to at least a second location within the second geographic region.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Autonomous vehicles may be deployed to areas where an item is in demand, and configured to fulfill orders for the item received from the areas. The autonomous vehicles are loaded with the item and dispatched to the area under their own power or in a carrier. When an order for the item is received, an autonomous vehicle delivers the item to a location in the area. Autonomous vehicles may also be equipped with a 3D printer or other equipment and loaded with materials for manufacturing the item. When an order for the item is received, the autonomous vehicle manufactures the item from such materials, and delivers the item. Autonomous vehicles may be configured for collaboration, such as to deliver or manufacture items in multiple stages and to transfer the items between vehicles. Autonomous vehicles may also be configured to automatically access locations in the area, e.g., using wireless access codes.
264 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A system comprising:
-
a distribution facility at a first location in a first geographic region; a carrier vehicle; a first autonomous ground vehicle; a second autonomous ground vehicle; and at least one computer system in communication with the carrier vehicle, the first autonomous ground vehicle and the second autonomous ground vehicle, wherein the at least one computer system is configured to execute a method comprising; predicting, at a first time, a level of demand for a first item in a second geographic region at a second time; prior to the second time, selecting at least a first number of the first item based at least in part on the level of demand for the first item in the second geographic region at the second time; prior to the second time, causing at least the first number of the first item to be loaded into at least one of the first autonomous ground vehicle or the second autonomous ground vehicle at the distribution facility; prior to the second time, causing at least the first autonomous ground vehicle and the second autonomous ground vehicle to be loaded onto the carrier vehicle at the distribution facility; and causing the carrier vehicle to travel from the first location to at least a second location within the second geographic region. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
-
-
6. A method comprising:
-
determining a level of demand for a first item in a first geographic area by at least one computer processor; selecting a first number of the first item based at least in part on the level of demand for the first item in the first geographic area determined by the at least one computer processor; loading at least the first number of the first item into at least a first storage compartment of a first autonomous ground vehicle at a first location, wherein the first location is not in the first geographic area, and wherein the first autonomous ground vehicle comprises; a first frame; the first storage compartment, wherein the first storage compartment has a first hatch pivotably joined to an outer surface of the first frame by at least a first hinge, wherein the first hatch is configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position; at least a first wheel; a first electric motor, wherein the first electric motor is configured to rotate at least the first wheel; at least a first wireless transceiver; and at least a first light; and transporting, by a carrier vehicle, at least the first autonomous ground vehicle to at least a second location within the first geographic area. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
-
-
17. A method comprising:
-
receiving an order for a delivery of a first item to a first location; determining that at least one of the first item is located within a first storage compartment of a first autonomous ground vehicle at a second location, wherein the first autonomous ground vehicle comprises; a first frame; a first item engagement system; the first storage compartment; at least a first wheel; a first electric motor, wherein the first electric motor is configured to rotate at least the first wheel; and at least a first wireless transceiver; determining that a second autonomous ground vehicle is located at a third location, wherein the second autonomous ground vehicle comprises; a second frame; a second item engagement system; a second storage compartment; at least a second wheel; a second electric motor, wherein the second electric motor is configured to rotate at least the second wheel; and at least a second wireless transceiver; instructing the first autonomous ground vehicle to travel to a fourth location; instructing the second autonomous ground vehicle to travel to the fourth location; transferring, by the first item engagement system, at least the first item from the first storage compartment to the second item engagement system; depositing, by the second item engagement system, at least the first item into the second storage compartment; instructing the second autonomous ground vehicle to deliver at least the first item from the fourth location to the first location. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
-
Specification