Health indicator system for a sensor pod

An autonomous vehicle comprising:

• a main computer configured to operate the autonomous vehicle;
• one or more sensor pods each having:
• a connecting assembly for coupling the sensor pod to the autonomous vehicle;
• a sensor pod housing;
• and
• one or more sensors configured to assist in operation of the autonomous vehicle;
• and
• a health indicator system configured to indicate to an external operator a health status of the main computer, the sensor pod, and the one or more sensors, the health indicator system including:
• a plurality of visual indicators located on the sensor pod housing or the connecting assembly, the plurality of visual indicators configured to display a predetermined configuration based on the health status,
• wherein the predetermined configuration is different for a health status of the main computer, a health status of the sensor pod, and a health status of the one or more sensors such that the external operator may determine the health status by viewing the plurality of visual indicators.