Integration of an autonomous industrial vehicle into an asset management system

A method for controlling an industrial vehicle at a facility, wherein the industrial vehicle includes a guidance and navigation system that, in an unmanned, autonomous mode, controls motion of the industrial vehicle along a first path, said method comprising:

• gathering operational data regarding the industrial vehicle operating in the unmanned, autonomous mode;
• transmitting the operational data, via a wireless communicator onboard the industrial vehicle, to an asset management computer located remotely from the industrial vehicle;
• and
• transmitting a command from the asset management computer to the wireless communicator, wherein the command directs the industrial vehicle to perform a given operation.

A method for controlling an industrial vehicle at a facility, wherein the industrial vehicle includes a propulsion drive system, a guidance and navigation system, and a wireless communicator for bidirectional communication with an asset management computer located remotely from the industrial vehicle, said method comprising:

• (a) operating the industrial vehicle in an unmanned, autonomous mode that comprises:
• the guidance and navigation system sensing environmental conditions outside the vehicle and in response thereto controlling the propulsion drive system to direct the industrial vehicle to travel along a first path,
• gathering operational data regarding the industrial vehicle, and
• transmitting the operational data, from a wireless communicator onboard the industrial vehicle to an asset management computer located remotely from the industrial vehicle;
• (b) operating the industrial vehicle in manual mode that comprises:
• the industrial vehicle receiving control signals from operator controls that are manipulated by human operator onboard the industrial vehicle, and
• controlling the propulsion drive system in response to the control signals to direct the industrial vehicle to travel along a second path;
• and
• (c) operating the industrial vehicle in remote control mode that comprises:
• the industrial vehicle receiving commands from the asset management computer, and
• controlling operation of the industrial vehicle in response to the commands.