Refueling system and method for autonomous vehicles

A method for refueling an autonomous vehicle, the method comprising:

• receiving, via a communication module, a refueling location from a mission control system, wherein the communication module is in communication with a controller of the autonomous vehicle;
• controlling, via the controller, the movement of the autonomous vehicle to the refueling location;
• communicating with a refueling vehicle to provide both a visual indicia identifying the autonomous vehicle and the refueling location;
• rendezvousing with the refueling vehicle at the refueling location;
• maintaining a refueling pose, wherein the refueling vehicle is positioned in proximity to the autonomous vehicle;
• and
• delivering fuel from the refueling vehicle to the autonomous vehicle.

A method for refueling an autonomous vehicle, the method comprising:

• detecting, based on a sensor input, the amount of fuel remaining in a fuel tank of the autonomous vehicle;
• determining, using a controller of the autonomous vehicle, whether the amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank has reached a predetermined level relative to the capacity of the fuel tank;
• broadcasting, via a communication module in communication with the controller, a low fuel alert to a network of refueling vehicles;
• identifying a refueling location;
• controlling, via the controller, the movement of the autonomous vehicle to the refueling location;
• providing, to the refueling vehicle, a visual indicia which identifies the autonomous vehicle;
• rendezvousing at the refueling location;
• maintaining a refueling pose, wherein the autonomous vehicle is positioned in proximity to the refueling vehicle;
• and
• delivering fuel from the refueling vehicle to the autonomous vehicle.