Waymo LLC

Andre Strobel

Andrew Barton-Sweeney

Aman Ved Kalia

Mark Stephen Calleija

Joel Benito Manrique

Charles Jatt

Matt Carroll

Shai Ben Nun

Brad Luscher

A sensor assembly contains at least first and second sensors configured to perform imaging from a portion of a vehicle, each sensor having a respective field of view (FOV) based on an imaging direction of the sensor, each sensor having an FOV origin. The sensor assembly is configured to be disposed at the portion of the vehicle such that (i) the first and second sensors' FOV origins are each outboard from the vehicle, (ii) the first and second sensors' imaging directions are each within 90 degrees in yaw of being parallel to the backward direction of the vehicle, (iii) the first sensor's imaging direction is closer in yaw than the second sensor's imaging direction to being parallel to the backward direction of the vehicle, and (iv) the first sensor's FOV origin is more outboard from the vehicle than the second sensor's FOV origin.

Multi-sensor assembly with improved backward view of a vehicle

Example embodiments relate to techniques for adjusting vehicle behavior based on ambient ground relative wind estimations. An onboard computing system may receive wind data from one or multiple wind sensors positioned onboard a vehicle. The wind data can indicate a direction and a speed of wind propagating in the vehicle's environment. The computing system can also receive navigation data that represents a direction and a speed of the vehicle and then estimate an ambient ground relative wind speed based on the navigation data and the wind data. The computing system can adjust the behavior of the vehicle based on the ambient ground relative wind speed. For instance, the computing system may compare the speed of the ambient ground relative wind to a predefined behavior threshold curve and adjust the behavior of the vehicle based on the comparison.

Methods and systems for adjusting vehicle behavior based on ambient ground relative wind speed estimations

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.

Systems and operations of transfer hubs for autonomous trucking systems

Aspects and implementations of the present disclosure relate to performance and safety improvements for autonomous trucking systems, including techniques of obtaining an identification of an unfavorable condition on a route of an autonomous vehicle (AV), causing the AV to exit the route, and performing one or more waiting loops until the unfavorable condition is resolved, the AV is rerouted, assistance arrives, and the like.

Techniques for addressing unfavorable road conditions in autonomous trucking applications

Aspects and implementations of the present disclosure relate to performance and safety improvements for autonomous trucking systems, such as reactive suspensions for maximizing aerodynamic performance and minimizing mechanical impact from road imperfections, automated placement of emergency signaling devices, and techniques of enhanced illumination of stopped and stranded vehicles.

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Mountain View, CA, United States of America

Andre Strobel