Ample, Inc.

Kenji Bowers

Juan Spiniak Irarrazaval

Maxim Zolotarev

Wai Hong Tsang

A vehicle lift includes a platform having an adjustable length according to a wheelbase of the vehicle. A plurality of clamps are mounted on the platform, each clamp having an adjustable lateral position with respect to a width of the platform to mechanically engage a respective tire of the vehicle when the vehicle is located on the platform. A plurality of motorized lifts are located below the platform, each lift mechanically coupled to the platform, each motorized lift having an adjustable height to raise and lower the platform. Each motorized lift is moveable with respect to the first axis to vary the adjustable length of the platform and with respect to the second axis to adjust the lateral position of the respective clamp. When the platform is in a raised position, a service cavity is defined between the platform and a floor to receive a service robot.

Configurable vehicle lift and service station

A method of operating a battery-exchange service station includes receiving data corresponding to a vehicle to be serviced; automatically adjusting a size of a service platform according to the vehicle, the service platform disposed over a service cavity configured to receive a service robot; automatically presenting one or more visual indicators to guide the vehicle onto the service platform such that the vehicle's front tires are at a target position; automatically detecting a position of the vehicle's front tires with lasers and light sensors, each laser located at a predetermined position relative to the target position for the front tires; automatically updating at least one of the visual indicator(s) based on a detected position of the vehicle's front tires; and while the detected position is at the target position, automatically exchanging one or more depleted batteries in the vehicle, with the service robot, with one or more charged batteries.

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San Francisco, CA, United States of America

Kenji Bowers