US 2021/0061372 A1 · Efficient Autonomous Trucks

Abstract

The technology relates to enhancing the operation of autonomous vehicles. Extendible sensors are deployed based on detected or predicted conditions around a vehicle while operating in a self-driving mode. When not needed, the sensors are fully retracted into the vehicle to reduce drag and increase fuel economy. When the onboard system determines that there is a need for a deployable sensor, such as to enhance the field of view of the perception system, the sensor is extended in a predetermined manner. The deployment may depend on one or more operating conditions and/or particular driving scenarios. These and other sensors of the vehicle may be protected with a rugged housing, for instance to protect against damage from the elements. And in other situations, deployable foils may extend from the vehicle's chassis to increase drag and enhance braking. This may be helpful for large trucks in steep descent situations.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous driving mode, the vehicle comprising:

a driving system including a steering subsystem, an acceleration subsystem and a deceleration subsystem to control driving of the vehicle in the autonomous driving mode;
a perception system configured to detect objects in an environment external to the vehicle, the perception system including one or more sensors;
and
a control system including one or more processors, the control system operatively coupled to the driving system and the perception system, the control system being configured, while the vehicle is operating in the autonomous driving mode, to:
determine at least one of an environmental condition and a stopped condition;
in response to determination of the at least one of the environmental condition and the stopped condition, cause a protective housing to cover a given sensor of the perception system, the protective housing covering at least one externally facing surface of the given sensor.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Efficient Autonomous Trucks

Life of this patent

Efficient Autonomous Trucks

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20