Automated fuel dispenser and method of use for automated vehicle refueling

A method for automated refueling of an autonomous vehicle using an automated fuel dispenser, the automated fuel dispenser comprising a housing, a processing device located within the housing, a fuel hose coupled to the housing at a first end of the fuel hose, a fuel nozzle coupled to the fuel hose at a second end of the fuel hose, the fuel nozzle comprising a body and a spout extending from the body, a first sensor mounted on the body of the fuel nozzle, a linear rail system coupled to the housing, wherein the linear rail system is configured to enable movement of the fuel nozzle along a first axis and a second axis, an extension arm coupled to the linear rail system, wherein the extension arm is configured to enable movement of the fuel nozzle along a third axis, the method comprising:

• executing instructions stored in a memory with the processing device in communication with the one or more sensors to perform operations comprising:
• detecting an autonomous vehicle in proximity to the automated fuel dispenser based on a sensor input from the first sensor;
• extending the extension arm to extend the fuel nozzle towards the vehicle;
• operating the linear rail system to align the fuel nozzle with a reservoir inlet of a fuel reservoir for the autonomous vehicle;
• detecting when the fuel nozzle is connected with the reservoir inlet;
• initiating a motor to drive a fuel pump configured to enable a flow of fuel through the automated fuel dispenser, the fuel hose, and the fuel nozzle;
• and
• operating the motor and the fuel pump to dispense fuel into the fuel reservoir until a fuel level within the fuel reservoir reaches a threshold level.

An automated fuel dispenser configured to refuel vehicles, the automated fuel dispenser comprising:

• a housing;
• a fuel hose coupled to the housing at a first end of the fuel hose;
• a fuel nozzle coupled to the fuel hose at a second end of the fuel hose, the fuel nozzle comprising a body and a spout extending from the body;
• a first sensor mounted on the body of the fuel nozzle;
• a linear rail system coupled to the housing, wherein the linear rail system is configured to enable movement of the fuel nozzle along a first axis and a second axis;
• an extension arm coupled to the linear rail system, wherein the extension arm is configured to enable movement of the fuel nozzle along a third axis;
• and
• a processing device located within the housing, wherein the processing device is configured to execute instructions stored in a memory to perform operations comprising operating the linear rail system and the extension arm to automatically connect the fuel nozzle with a reservoir inlet for a vehicle and operating a motor to drive a fuel pump to control a flow of fuel through the fuel hose and the fuel nozzle.