Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Chelsia Ka Po Lau

James Yu-Hsin Kuo

Jack Li

Euishik Bang

Daniel Tang

Joseph I Halaszynski

Hyunsoo Kim

Eui Shik Bang

Edmund Pengfei He

Bruce P Williams

Bruce Youngs

Curt Aumiller

James Kuo

Quran Buchanan

Nicholas Waskul

Richard Beck

Multi-mode personal transportation and delivery devices and methods of use are disclosed herein. A device can include a communications interface, the communications interface configured to provide vehicle-to-everything communications, a device controller comprising: a processor; and a memory for storing instructions, the processor executing the instructions to: receive a first message from a service provider that the transportation device is to relocate to a location based on user demand; and activate a redistribution mode to cause the transportation device to autonomously navigate to the location.

Multi-mode personal transportation and delivery devices and methods of use

An autonomous vehicle includes an autonomously driven vehicle frame with a retractable pivot mechanism disposed on a platform surface of the vehicle frame. Changeable utility pods are configured to attach to and be removed from the vehicle frame by way of the retractable pivot mechanism onboard the frame, and autonomously change the vehicle from a passenger transport to a logistics transport by changing utility pods. A processor provides autonomous vehicle operations that include extending the retractable pivot mechanism from a retracted position recessed in the platform surface of the vehicle frame to an extended position that engages a utility pod conveyor channel. The retractable pivot mechanism engages a conveyor channel disposed on a mating surface of a utility pod, and conveys the utility pod along the conveyor channel to a centered and laterally-aligned position on the vehicle frame by rotating the pod into position once centered over the pivot mechanism.

Micro autonomous vehicle with exchangeable utility pods

A vehicle includes a body, a removable cab, a cargo movement subsystem, and a computing device. The removable cab is attachable to the body. The computing device includes a processor and a memory. The computing device is programmed to actuate at least one vehicle subsystem to move the vehicle to deliver cargo stored in the cab and the cargo movement subsystem move the cargo. The cargo movement subsystem is arranged to move the cargo from the cab to a position accessible from an exterior of the vehicle.

Enhanced cargo transportation system

A scooter includes a platform, a shell movably coupled to the platform via a gripper of the shell and a grip surface of the platform, and front and rear wheels rotatably coupled to the platform. The shell defines a cavity, and the platform is movable into and out of the cavity. The scooter may include a retractable pole coupled to the platform and a handlebar coupled to the retractable pole. The retractable pole may be coupled to and steer the front wheel. The shell may include one or two foldable decks.

Concealable scooter

A personal transportation device comprises a frame, a wheel pivotably connected to a frame and switchable between a driving configuration and a flying configuration, a motor to rotate the wheel; and an automatic cruise module. The automatic cruise module is configured to control the wheel and guide the personal transportation device to fly from a first location to a second location according to a designated route as an unmanned aircraft.

Personal transportation devices having a driving configuration and a flying configuration

A scooter includes a lower body with a first end and a second end, a rear wheel rotatably supported by the first end, an elongated front body with a lower end and an upper end, a guide fixed within the front body extending from the lower end to the upper end, an attachment member pivotably fixed to the second end of the lower body and engaged by the guide, and a front wheel rotatably supported by the lower end.

Foldable scooter

A scooter is provided. The scooter comprises a frame assembly including a main frame for a user, an extendable frame movably connected to the main frame and configured to be extendable away from the main frame at an interface at which the main frame and the extendable frame meet, and a wheel assembly connected to the frame assembly. The extendable frame forms a cargo space at an extended position.

Scooter

A dynamic cargo restraint system has a stationary hook member mounted in a bezel for engagement with a second movable hook member that is stored in a second bezel. The movable hook member is attached to a cord that is engaged with a retraction mechanism housed within the corresponding wall of the cargo area to retract the cord for automatic storage when the movable hook member is not in use. The movable hook member can be threaded through the handles of grocery bags before being attached to the stationary hook member to support the grocery bags in an upright orientation. The hook members and the bezels can be formed in a variety of shapes, and are stored substantially flush with the walls of the cargo area. The stationary hook member can be pivoted within it's bezel to project outwardly therefrom for engagement with the movable hook member.

Growing community of inventors

Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

Chelsia Ka Po Lau