# US 12,216,478 B2 · Automated vehicle for autonomous last-mile deliveries > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,216,478 B2 - Document ID: US12216478B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 18/340,804 - Filed: 2023-06-23 - Published: 2023-10-26 - Granted: 2025-02-04 - Earliest claimed: 2018-12-05 - Assignees: DoorDash, Inc. - Applicants: DoorDash, Inc. - Inventors: Harrison Shih; Jeff Ning Han; Thomas Scott Stephens; Dan Michael Babcock; Cody Duane Aughney - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12216478B2 ## CPC - G05D 1/246: using environment maps, e.g. simultaneous localisation and mapping [SLAM] - B60R 25/01: operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens - B60R 25/24: using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user - G05D 1/0231: {using optical position detecting means (position-fixing by using electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. optical position detecting means G01S5/16)} - G05D 1/0274: {using mapping information stored in a memory device (navigation using map-matching G01C21/30)} - G05D 1/249: from positioning sensors located off-board the vehicle, e.g. from cameras - G06Q 10/0832: Special goods or special handling procedures, e.g. handling of hazardous or fragile goods - G05D: SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES - B60R: VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR - G06Q: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR ## Abstract Provided are various systems and processes for improving last-mile delivery of real-time, on-demand orders for perishable goods. In one aspect, an automated vehicle (AV) comprises a body including a storage compartment for storing perishable goods. The storage compartment is accessible by a user upon authentication of the user. The AV further comprises a sensor module for receiving data for navigating the AV. The sensor module is positioned above the body on a support structure at a predetermined height above the ground, such as three to five feet. The data includes one or more of the following: audio data, video data, radio waves, and backscattered light waves. The AV further comprises an onboard computer system configured to process the data to navigate the AV along motor vehicle routes and pedestrian routes. The AV may be configured to interface with an automated locker system to retrieve or deposit the perishable goods. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An automated vehicle comprising: a body including a storage compartment for storing goods; a sensor module comprising one or more sensor arrays for receiving data for navigating the automated vehicle, wherein the sensor module is positioned on a support structure coupled to the body; an onboard computer system configured to process the data to navigate the automated vehicle along travel routes; one or more headlights positioned at a forward position of the body; and wherein the automated vehicle is configured to interface with an automated locker system to retrieve or deposit the goods, wherein the automated vehicle is authenticated by the automated locker system in order to interface with the automated locker system. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The automated vehicle of claim 1, wherein the storage compartment is configured to maintain the temperature of the goods at a desired temperature above or below the ambient temperature. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The automated vehicle of claim 1, wherein the authentication of the user is transmitted to the onboard computer system from a user device corresponding to the user. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The automated vehicle of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensor arrays comprise one or more of the following: a radar detection system, a lidar detection system, a video camera, a motion sensor, or a microphone. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The automated vehicle of claim 1, further comprising one or more headlights positioned at the front of the body, the one or more headlights comprising a plurality of red green blue (RGB) light emitting diodes (LEDs), wherein the plurality of LEDs are configured to light in a predetermined sequence to display information. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The automated vehicle of claim 1, wherein the support structure is positioned at a predetermined height above the ground. ### Claim 7 A system comprising: an automated vehicle comprising: a body including a storage compartment for storing goods, wherein the storage compartment is accessible by a user; a sensor module comprising one or more sensor arrays for receiving data for navigating the automated vehicle, wherein the sensor module is positioned on a support structure coupled to the body; and an onboard computer system configured to process the data to navigate the automated vehicle along travel routes; and an automated locker system configured to interface with the automated vehicle to retrieve or deposit the goods, wherein the automated vehicle is authenticated by the automated locker system to enable the interface between the automated locker system and the automated vehicle. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The system of claim 7, wherein the storage compartment is configured to maintain the temperature of the goods at a desired temperature above or below the ambient temperature. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The system of claim 7, wherein authentication of the user is transmitted to the onboard computer system from a user device corresponding to the user. ### Claim 10 (depends on 7) The system of claim 7, wherein the one or more sensor arrays comprise one or more of the following: a radar detection system, a lidar detection system, a video camera, a motion sensor, or a microphone. ### Claim 11 (depends on 7) The system of claim 7, wherein the automated vehicle further comprises one or more headlights positioned at the front of the body, the one or more headlights comprising a plurality of red green blue (RGB) light emitting diodes (LEDs), wherein the plurality of LEDs are configured to light in a predetermined sequence to display information. ### Claim 12 (depends on 7) The system of claim 7, wherein the support structure is positioned at a predetermined height above the ground. ### Claim 13 A method of operating an automated vehicle, the method comprising: storing goods within a storage compartment of the automated vehicle, wherein the storage compartment is accessible by a user; interfacing with an automated locker system to retrieve or deposit the goods; authenticating the automated vehicle with an automated locker system in order to interface the automated vehicle with the automated locker system; receiving data via a sensor module comprising one or more sensor arrays, wherein the sensor module is positioned on a support structure coupled to the body; and processing the data via an onboard computer system to navigate the automated vehicle along travel routes. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, wherein the support structure is positioned at a predetermined height above the ground. ### Claim 15 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, wherein the one or more sensor arrays comprise one or more of the following: a radar detection system, a lidar detection system, a video camera, a motion sensor, or a microphone.