Autonomous refueling system

Abstract

Systems and techniques are provided for autonomous or semi-autonomous connection and disconnection of an end effector to a port, such as a refueling port associated with a fuel tank. The end effector may be coupled with a carriage system, such as a robotic arm and have a connection with a supply source. A sensor suite may be coupled with the carriage system and output optical and/or proximity data that is received at a controller system. The controller system may identify a location of the port, position the end effector in proximity with the port, and provide a connection therebetween. The controller system may identify a fiducial target associated with the port that provides for alignment with the end effector and port. The end effector may also include a compensation system to adjust a location of the end effector to a finer degree than is possible using the carriage system.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.