Systems and methods for automated operation and handling of autonomous trucks and trailers hauled thereby

A system for interconnecting a brake line on an AV truck with a gladhand mounted on a front of a trailer hitched thereto comprising:

• a connection tool adapted to be removably connected to and guided by a robotic arm by a controller, the connection tool having a connection member adapted to carry pressurized air from a braking circuit of the AV truck to a braking circuit of the trailer;
• a gladhand capture assembly on the connection tool that selectively engages a portion of the gladhand;
• the connection tool being movable between a plurality of configurations based upon a type of gladhand being engaged;
• and
• a stowage stand having a frame that allows the connection tool to be stored in and removed therefrom by the robotic arm, the frame being constructed and arranged to cause each of the plurality of configurations to be defined by the connection tool.

A system for interconnecting a brake line on an AV truck with a gladhand mounted on a front of a trailer hitched thereto comprising:

• a robotic arm, having an end effector, that is guided by a controller, from a stowage location to the gladhand, the end effector removably carrying a connection tool with a connection member adapted to carry pressurized air from a braking circuit of the AV truck to a braking circuit of the trailer;
• a gladhand capture assembly on the connection tool that selectively engages a portion of the gladhand;
• and
• a compliance structure located on at least one of the connection tool and the robot arm that enables a predetermined degree of motion between the gladhand and the connection member when engaging the gladhand.

A system for interconnecting a brake line on an AV truck with a gladhand mounted on a front of a trailer hitched thereto comprising:

• a robotic arm, having an end effector, that is guided by a controller, from a stowage location to the gladhand, the end effector removably carrying a connection tool with a connection member adapted to carry pressurized air from a braking circuit of the AV truck to a braking circuit of the trailer;
• a gladhand capture assembly on the connection tool that selectively engages a portion of the gladhand;
• and
• a hinge assembly including an active drive element that allows movement of the gladhand capture assembly relative to a base of the connection tool between at least two configurations to engage or retrieve each of a plurality of differing types of gladhands.