Vehicle sensor systems

A modular sensor kit, comprising:

• a roof pod that includes:
• a center piece;
• and
• two or more modular ends positioned along a length of the roof pod such that a gap exists between each of the modular ends and the center piece;
• a first sensor apparatus positioned on a surface of the roof pod at a first modular end;
• and
• a second sensor apparatus positioned on the surface of the roof pod at a second modular end, the second sensor apparatus comprising:
• a sensor comprising a sensing area from which energy is emitted to facilitate sensing by the sensor;
• and
• a sensor shield extending across at least a portion of the sensing area to inhibit the emission of the energy through the sensor shield, the sensor shield aligned to prevent interference in operation of the first sensor apparatus by the energy emitted by the second sensor apparatus.

An autonomous vehicle, comprising:

• one or more processors configured to analyze sensor data and direct one or more operations of the autonomous vehicle;
• and
• a modular sensor kit configured to capture the sensor data, the modular sensor kit including:
• a roof pod that includes:
• a center piece;
• and
• two or more modular ends positioned along a length of the roof pod such that a gap exists between each of the modular ends and the center piece;
• a first sensor apparatus positioned on a surface of the roof pod at a first modular end;
• and
• a second sensor apparatus positioned on the surface of the roof pod at a second modular end, the second sensor apparatus comprising:
• a sensor comprising a sensing area from which energy is emitted to facilitate sensing by the sensor;
• and
• a sensor shield extending across at least a portion of the sensing area to inhibit the emission of the energy through the sensor shield, the sensor shield aligned to prevent interference in operation of the first sensor apparatus by the energy emitted by the second sensor apparatus.