Autonomous system for air cargo end-to-end operations

A multifunction unit for a cargo handling system, comprising:

• a transportation unit comprising a first sensing agent and a transportation unit transceiver;
• and
• a lift unit comprising a second sensing agent and a lift unit transceiver, the second sensing agent coupled to the lift unit wherein the multifunction unit is configured to operate autonomously to move a cargo unit from a first location to a second location, wherein:
• the transportation unit is operable to:
• receive, via a control module and through the transportation unit transceiver, the first location corresponding to an initial location of the cargo unit,
• receive, via the control module and through the transportation unit transceiver, the second location corresponding to a cargo unit destination location, and
• transport the cargo unit from the first location to the second location;
• the lift unit is operable to receive, via the control module and through the lift unit transceiver, instructions to lift the cargo unit to an elevation of a cargo deck of an aircraft;
• and
• the transportation unit is further operable to:
• detach from the lift unit in response to reaching the elevation of the cargo deck, and
• transport the cargo unit throughout a cargo bay of the aircraft.