Austin Lovan

Title: Innovations by Austin Lovan in Autonomous Trucking

Introduction

Austin Lovan is an innovative inventor based in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. He has made significant contributions to the field of autonomous vehicles, particularly in the operation and handling of autonomous trucks and trailers. His work focuses on enhancing the efficiency and reliability of these systems.

Latest Patents

Austin Lovan holds a patent for "Systems and methods for automated operation and handling of autonomous trucks and trailers hauled thereby." This invention provides a system and method for reliably interconnecting a native gladhand on a trailer with an autonomous vehicle truck. The gladhand can vary in placement and type on the trailer front. A visually guided robot manipulator arm accesses the trailer front. The arm includes an end effector assembly that is arranged to visually navigate to the gladhand and engage it by latching onto the gladhand using a connection tool. This tool includes a hinged gladhand/wedge capture assembly and a pressurized clamping connection plate that selectively engages the trailer gladhand seal. The capture assembly is designed to accommodate different gladhand geometries. The connection tool features a hinge that is spring-loaded in both a locked and unlocked bistable state, with sensors monitoring the state. The system can also include passive or active compliance elements that accommodate moderate misalignment between the engaged gladhand and the robotic arm or connection tool.

Career Highlights

Austin Lovan is currently employed at Outrider Technologies, Inc., where he continues to develop innovative solutions for the autonomous trucking industry. His work is pivotal in advancing the capabilities of autonomous vehicles, making them safer and more efficient.

Collaborations

Austin collaborates with his coworker, Martin E Sotola, to further enhance the development of autonomous systems. Their combined expertise contributes to the innovative projects at Outrider Technologies.

Conclusion

Austin Lovan's contributions to the field of autonomous trucking through his innovative patent demonstrate his commitment to advancing technology in this area. His work is essential for the future of transportation and logistics.