U.S. patent application number 16/514240 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-07 for autonomous locker delivery.
The applicant listed for this patent is Walmart Apollo, LLC. Invention is credited to Nicholas Ray Antel, Michael D. Atchley, Donald R. High, Todd D. Mattingly, Brian G. McHale, John J. O'Brien, Bruce W. Wilkinson, David C. Winkle.
Application Number | 20190337722 16/514240 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62556229 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190337722 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
High; Donald R. ; et
al. |
November 7, 2019 |
AUTONOMOUS LOCKER DELIVERY
Abstract
Generally speaking, pursuant to various embodiments, systems,
apparatuses, and methods are provided herein useful for
autonomously delivering lockers. In some embodiments, a system
comprises a carrier vehicle, the carrier vehicle comprising a
storage area, a docking station including a plurality of storage
docks, each of the plurality of storage docks configured to secure
at least one locker, wherein the docking station is located within
the storage area, and a retrieval point, a plurality of lockers
each configured to house at least one product, a delivery vehicle,
the delivery vehicle comprising a delivery dock, wherein the
delivery dock is configured to receive, at the retrieval point, at
least one locker, and a propulsion mechanism, wherein the
propulsion mechanism propels the delivery vehicle, and a control
circuit, the control circuit configured to identify, from the
plurality of lockers, a selected locker, and cause the selected
locker to move to the retrieval point.
Inventors: |
High; Donald R.; (Noel,
MO) ; Winkle; David C.; (Leesburg, FL) ;
Atchley; Michael D.; (Eureka Springs, AR) ; McHale;
Brian G.; (Chadderton Oldham, GB) ; Antel; Nicholas
Ray; (Winona, MO) ; O'Brien; John J.; (Bella
Vista, AR) ; Mattingly; Todd D.; (Bentonville,
AR) ; Wilkinson; Bruce W.; (Rogers, AR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Walmart Apollo, LLC |
Bentonville |
AR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62556229 |
Appl. No.: |
16/514240 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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16265876 |
Feb 1, 2019 |
10399775 |
|
|
16514240 |
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|
|
15851268 |
Dec 21, 2017 |
10227178 |
|
|
16265876 |
|
|
|
|
62437136 |
Dec 21, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65G 1/137 20130101;
B60P 3/06 20130101; B60P 3/007 20130101; B60P 3/20 20130101; G06Q
10/0832 20130101; B60P 1/6481 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65G 1/137 20060101
B65G001/137; G06Q 10/08 20060101 G06Q010/08; B60P 3/06 20060101
B60P003/06; B60P 3/00 20060101 B60P003/00; B60P 1/64 20060101
B60P001/64; B60P 3/20 20060101 B60P003/20 |
Claims
1. A system for autonomously delivering products, the system
comprising: a carrier vehicle, the carrier vehicle comprising: a
storage area configured to house a plurality of products; a docking
station, wherein the docking station includes a plurality of
storage docks, each of the plurality of storage docks configured to
releasably secure at least one product, and wherein the docking
station is located within the storage area; and a retrieval point;
a control circuit located on the carrier vehicle, the control
circuit configured to: identify, from the plurality of products, a
selected product; and cause the selected product to move to the
retrieval point.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the delivery vehicle travels via
one or more of land, water, and air.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
lockers, wherein each of the plurality of lockers are configured to
house ones of the products, and wherein at least some of the
plurality of lockers include a climate control unit, wherein the
climate control units are configured to maintain a
climate-controlled environment inside each of the at least some of
the plurality of lockers.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein at least some of the plurality of
lockers include an authentication device.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the storage area includes a first
area and a second area, and wherein the first area is climate
controlled.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is further
configured to: determine, based on a trigger condition, that the
selected product has been delivered.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the control circuit is further
configured to: in response to the determination that the selected
product has been delivered, cause transmission of an indication
that the selected product has been delivered.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the indication that the selected
product has been delivered includes an indication of the selected
product.
9. The system of claim 6, wherein the trigger condition is one or
more of removal of the selected product from the retrieval point,
delivery of the selected product by a delivery vehicle, and the
identification of the selected product.
10. A method for autonomously delivering products, the method
comprising: transporting, via a docking station within a storage
area of a carrier vehicle, a plurality of products, wherein the
storage area includes a retrieval point; identifying, from the
plurality of products, a selected product; and causing the selected
product to move from the docking station to the retrieval
point.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the delivery vehicle travels
via one or more of land, water, and air.
12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: housing, within a
plurality of lockers, ones of the products, wherein at least some
of the plurality of lockers include a climate control unit, wherein
the climate control units are configured to maintain a
climate-controlled environment inside each of the at least some of
the plurality of lockers.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein at least some of the plurality
of lockers include an authentication device.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein the storage area includes a
first area and a second area, and wherein the first area is climate
controlled.
15. The method of claim 10, further comprising: determining, based
on a trigger condition, that the selected product has been
delivered.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: in response to the
determining that the selected product has been delivered, causing
transmission of an indication that the selected product has been
delivered.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the indication that the
selected product has been delivered includes an indication of the
selected product.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the trigger condition is one or
more of the causing the selected product to move from the docking
station to the retrieval point, delivering the selected product by
a delivery vehicle, and identifying the selected product.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 16/265,876, filed Feb. 1, 2019, which is a
continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/851,268,
filed Dec. 21, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/437,136, filed Dec. 21, 2016, which are all
incorporated by their reference in their entirety herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates generally to autonomous vehicles and,
more specifically, to autonomous delivery vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0003] When customers shop for products remotely, the products
purchased by the customers are typically delivered to the
customers. Delivering products to customers can result in
significant costs for retailers. Similarly, manufacturers incur
significant costs delivering products to retailers. These costs are
passed on to customers in the form of higher prices. Consequently,
decreases in delivery costs can translate directly into lower
prices for customers. Accordingly, a need exists to decrease costs
associated with delivery products.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Disclosed herein are embodiments of systems, apparatuses,
and methods pertaining to autonomously delivering lockers. This
description includes drawings, wherein:
[0005] FIG. 1 depicts a carrier vehicle 102 and a delivery vehicle
122 autonomously delivering lockers 110, according to some
embodiments;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system 200 for autonomously
delivering lockers 214, according to some embodiments; and
[0007] FIG. 3 is a flow chart depicting example operations for
autonomously delivering lockers, according to some embodiments.
[0008] Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and
clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example,
the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements
in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to
help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present
invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are
useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often
not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these
various embodiments of the present invention. Certain actions
and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of
occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such
specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. The
terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical
meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons
skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where
different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] Generally speaking, pursuant to various embodiments,
systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein useful for
autonomously delivering lockers. In some embodiments, a system
comprises a carrier vehicle, the carrier vehicle comprising a
storage area, a docking station, wherein the docking station
includes a plurality of storage docks, each of the plurality of
storage docks configured to secure at least one locker, wherein the
docking station is located within the storage area, and a retrieval
point, a plurality of lockers, each of the plurality of lockers
configured to house at least one product, a delivery vehicle, the
delivery vehicle comprising a delivery dock, wherein the delivery
dock is configured to receive, at the retrieval point, at least one
locker, and a propulsion mechanism, wherein the propulsion
mechanism propels the delivery vehicle, and a control circuit, the
control circuit configured to identify, from the plurality of
lockers, a selected locker, and cause the selected locker to move
to the retrieval point.
[0010] As previously discussed, retailers and manufacturers incur
significant costs delivering products. Just like equipment, such as
vehicles and storage containers, human labor contributes to
delivery costs. For example, human labor is currently needed to
pilot vehicles carrying the products and remove the products from
the vehicles. Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and
apparatuses that can reduce delivery costs by autonomously
delivering products. In some embodiments, carrier vehicles (e.g.,
trucks, trailers, trains, boats, etc.) transports lockers, which
contain products, to a delivery location (e.g., a customer's home,
a warehouse, etc.). The carrier vehicle also transports at least
one delivery vehicle. The delivery vehicle receives the lockers and
transports the lockers from the carrier vehicle to the delivery
location (e.g., on a customer's porch, on a shelf in a warehouse,
etc.). The carrier vehicle and the delivery vehicle operate
autonomously. FIG. 1 depicts one example of such a system.
[0011] FIG. 1 depicts a carrier vehicle 102 and a delivery vehicle
122 autonomously delivering lockers 110, according to some
embodiments. Although the carrier vehicle depicted in FIG. 1 is a
box truck, only the rear of which is visible, the carrier vehicle
102 can be any suitable type of vehicle (land-based, aquatic, or
aerial). The cargo portion (i.e., a storage area) of the carrier
vehicle 102 includes shelves (i.e., a first shelf 106 and a second
shelf 104). The shelves hold the lockers 110. The lockers 110 house
(i.e., contain or hold) products. For example, each of the lockers
110 can house products associated with orders placed by different
customers. If the lockers 110 are to be delivered to retail
establishment or warehouses, the lockers 110 can house products for
the retail establishments or warehouses. The shelves can act as a
docking station and releasably secure the lockers 110. For example,
the shelves can include securement devices that affix the lockers
110 to the shelf. The second shelf 104 includes a movable portion
108 which pivots, as indicated by arrow 128. When extended
downwards, the movable portion 108 allows lockers 110 on the second
shelf to move to the first shelf 106. In some embodiments, the
shelves include a movement mechanism, such as a conveyor belt,
along which the lockers 110 move. For example, the securement
devices can be affixed to the conveyor belt and carry the lockers
110 across the shelves.
[0012] As the lockers 110 move along the shelves, they proceed to a
retrieval point 120. The delivery vehicle 122 receives the lockers
110 at the retrieval point. The delivery vehicle 122 includes a
delivery dock designed to receive the locker 110. The delivery dock
can be similar to the securement device in that it can secure a
locker 110. As depicted in the example system of FIG. 1, the
delivery dock includes a movable arm 124. The delivery vehicle 122
can reposition to movable arm 124, as indicated by arrow 126, to
secure the lockers 110. In some embodiments, the delivery vehicle
122 verifies that the correct locker 110 was received. For example,
the delivery vehicle can read a visible, auditory, or transmittable
(e.g., nearfield communication) code from the locker 110 to verify
that the correct locker is received. In such embodiments, the
delivery vehicle 122 can also transmit a verification message to
the carrier vehicle 102, the locker 110, and/or the customer
indicating that the correct locker 110 was received. The delivery
vehicle 122 also includes a propulsion mechanism so that the
delivery vehicle 122 can autonomously deliver the lockers 110. For
example, the propulsion mechanism can include an engine or motor, a
transmission (if necessary), and wheels, tracks or any other device
that allows the delivery vehicle 122 to move. Although the example
system depicted in FIG. 1 includes a land-based delivery vehicle
122, other possibilities exist (e.g., aquatic, aerial, or any
combination of the three, delivery vehicles 122). Additionally,
although FIG. 1 depicts only one delivery vehicle 122, in some
embodiments the carrier vehicle 102 can transport multiple delivery
vehicles 122 to deliver lockers 110.
[0013] After receiving the locker 110 at the retrieval point 120,
the delivery vehicle 122 delivers the locker 110. The delivery
vehicle 122 can exit the carrier vehicle 102 in any suitable manner
dependent on the capabilities of the delivery vehicle 122 and the
features of the carrier vehicle 102. For example, land-based
delivery vehicles 122 can exit the carrier vehicle 102 via a ramp
or platform that moves vertically, aerial delivery vehicles 122 can
exit the carrier vehicle 102 while airborne, etc. If the locker 110
is intended for delivery to a customer's home, the delivery vehicle
122 delivers the locker 110 to an appropriate location at the
customer's home (e.g., a porch, a garage, etc.). If the locker 110
is intended for delivery to a warehouse or retail establishment,
the delivery vehicle 122 can deliver the locker 110 to an
appropriate location at the warehouse of retail establishment
(e.g., a stockroom or sales floor).
[0014] Although FIG. 1 depicts a system in which the lockers 110
are located on shelves and ride along conveyer belts, other
mechanisms can be used to move and rearrange the lockers 110 within
the carrier vehicle 102. As one example, a carousel system, a
system similar to that typically found in vending machines, or any
other suitable system can be used.
[0015] Additionally, in some embodiments, the cargo or storage area
can have multiple areas. Each of the multiple areas can be
configured to house different types of lockers 110 or lockers 110
that house different types of products. For example, a first area
can be a climate controlled area for cold (or hot) products or
lockers 110 and a second area can be a non-climate controlled area.
In some embodiments, the areas can be configured or designed for
lockers 110 or products that require conditions other than climate.
For example, one of the areas can include enhanced security, motion
or vibration suppression, etc.
[0016] While the discussion of FIG. 1 provides background
information regarding a system for autonomously delivering lockers,
the discussion of FIG. 2 provides additional information about such
a system.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system 200 for autonomously
delivering lockers 214, according to some embodiments. The system
200 includes a control circuit 202, a carrier vehicle 204, lockers
214, and a delivery vehicle 216. The lockers 214 house products.
The lockers 214 can be as simple as boxes, or much more complex.
For example, in some embodiments, the lockers 214 can be climate
controlled, include security features such as an authentication
device which allows only authorized persons to access the locker
214, positioning devices (e.g., GPS transceivers), power sources,
etc. The lockers can house products for delivery to end users
(i.e., customers) or retail establishments or warehouses.
[0018] The carrier vehicle 204 is an autonomous vehicle that
transports the lockers 214 to a delivery location. The carrier
vehicle 204 can include docking stations that secure the lockers
214 within a storage area of the carrier vehicle 204. In some
embodiments, the docking stations can also provide power to the
lockers 214. Additionally, the carrier vehicle 204 includes a
retrieval point, form which the delivery vehicle 216 can receive
the lockers 214. The carrier vehicle can also include a mechanism
that is capable of moving the lockers 214 within the carrier
vehicle 204. For example, the mechanism can be a carousel system, a
pulley system, a conveyor system, or any other suitable system. The
mechanism can move the lockers 214 around within the carrier
vehicle 204 to reorder the lockers 214 for delivery. In this
respect, the delivery vehicle 216 can easily receive whichever of
the lockers 214 is to be delivered next at the retrieval point.
Such movement and reordering is beneficial to adjust for delivery
changes, route changes, exception handling, etc. The control
circuit 202, as will be discussed later, is capable of identifying
which of the lockers 214 should be moved to the retrieval point
next.
[0019] The delivery vehicle 216 is an autonomous vehicle that
receives the lockers 214 at the retrieval point. The delivery
vehicle 216 includes a delivery dock. The delivery dock is
configured to receive, and in some embodiments, secure the lockers
214. Additionally, in some embodiments, the delivery dock can
provide power to the lockers 214. After receiving one or more of
the lockers 214, the delivery vehicle 216 delivers the one or more
lockers 214 from the carrier vehicle 204 to the delivery location
(e.g., near a customer's door, in or near a customer's garage, at a
warehouse, on a shelf at a warehouse or on a sales floor, etc.). In
some embodiments, the carrier vehicle 204 can transport multiple
delivery vehicles 216. In such embodiments, the carrier vehicle 204
can stop at a central location and the multiple delivery vehicles
216 can deliver the lockers 214 from the central location. For
example, the carrier vehicle 204 can proceed to the entrance of a
neighborhood or a specific street, and the multiple delivery
vehicles 216 can work in concert to deliver lockers to all
necessary locations within the vicinity of the entrance to the
neighborhood or the specific street.
[0020] The control circuit 202 can perform many functions, such as
identifying one or more of the lockers 214 and causing the one or
more of the lockers 214 to be moved to the retrieval point. The
control circuit 202 can comprise a fixed-purpose hard-wired
hardware platform (including but not limited to an
application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) (which is an
integrated circuit that is customized by design for a particular
use, rather than intended for general-purpose use), a
field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and the like) or can comprise
a partially or wholly-programmable hardware platform (including but
not limited to microcontrollers, microprocessors, and the like).
These architectural options for such structures are well known and
understood in the art and require no further description here. The
control circuit 202 is configured (for example, by using
corresponding programming as will be well understood by those
skilled in the art) to carry out one or more of the steps, actions,
and/or functions described herein.
[0021] By one optional approach the control circuit 202 operably
couples to a memory. The memory may be integral to the control
circuit 202 or can be physically discrete (in whole or in part)
from the control circuit 202 as desired. This memory can also be
local with respect to the control circuit 202 (where, for example,
both share a common circuit board, chassis, power supply, and/or
housing) or can be partially or wholly remote with respect to the
control circuit 202 (where, for example, the memory is physically
located in another facility, metropolitan area, or even country as
compared to the control circuit 202).
[0022] This memory can serve, for example, to non-transitorily
store the computer instructions that, when executed by the control
circuit 302, cause the control circuit 202 to behave as described
herein. As used herein, this reference to "non-transitorily" will
be understood to refer to a non-ephemeral state for the stored
contents (and hence excludes when the stored contents merely
constitute signals or waves) rather than volatility of the storage
media itself and hence includes both non-volatile memory (such as
read-only memory (ROM) as well as volatile memory (such as an
erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM).
[0023] The control circuit 202 includes a locker identification
unit 208. The locker identification unit 208 identifies lockers
214. For example, the locker identification unit 208 can identify
the next of the lockers 214 to be delivered. After identifying one
or more of the lockers 214 as selected lockers 214, the control
circuit 202 causes the selected lockers 214 to move to the
retrieval point. For example, the control circuit 202 can cause a
mechanism such as a carousel, conveyor belt, and/or a pneumatic
pump to move the selected lockers 214 such that the selected
lockers 214 move to the retrieval point.
[0024] In some embodiments, the control circuit 202 includes a
transceiver 212. The transceiver 212 can transmit information to,
and receive information from, the lockers 214, the delivery vehicle
216, and/or the carrier vehicle 204. For example, the transceiver
212 can receive indications of products housed within the lockers
214 from the lockers 214, status information from the delivery
vehicle 216, and delivery schedules and changes from the carrier
vehicle 204. Additionally, the transceiver 212 can transmit an
indication to the customer that selected lockers 214 have been
delivered. The transceiver 212 transmits the indication that the
selected lockers 214 have been delivered after determining that a
trigger condition has occurred. The trigger condition, for example,
can be removal of the selected lockers 214 from the retrieval
point, delivery of the selected lockers 214 by the delivery
vehicle, and the identification of the selected lockers 214 by the
control circuit 202.
[0025] The control circuit 202 can be located on the carrier
vehicle 204, or can be remote from the carrier vehicle 204. If the
control circuit 202 is remote from the carrier vehicle 204, the
control circuit may be responsible for identifying lockers
transported by multiple carrier vehicles 204.
[0026] While the discussion of FIG. 2 provides additional detail
with regard to a system for autonomously delivering lockers, the
discussion of FIG. 3 describes example operations for autonomously
delivering lockers.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a flow chart depicting example operations for
autonomously delivering lockers, according to some embodiments. The
flow begins at block 302.
[0028] At block 302, a plurality of lockers are transported. For
example, a carrier vehicle can transport the plurality of lockers
to a delivery location. The carrier vehicle is an autonomous
vehicle that includes docking stations. The docking stations secure
the plurality of lockers within a storage area of the carrier
vehicle. The storage area can include multiple areas, such as
climate controlled areas, secure areas, etc. The plurality of
lockers can move within the storage area. For example, each of the
plurality of lockers can be moved so that delivery order can be
changed. The delivery location can be a location at which one or
more of the plurality of lockers is to be delivered or a central
location from which one or more of the plurality of lockers will be
dispatched for delivery. The flow continues at block 304.
[0029] At block 304, products are housed within the lockers. The
lockers are configured to house products. In some embodiments, the
lockers include a power supply. In such embodiments, the power
supply can provide power to a climate control unit, an
authentication device, etc. In some embodiments, the lockers are
owned by individuals (e.g., individuals to which the lockers are to
be delivered) or groups (e.g., a homeowners association). In other
embodiments, the lockers are owned by the entity responsible for
delivering the lockers. For example, some of the lockers may be
owned by a retailer and some of the lockers may be owned by
customers. In such embodiments, the lockers can be part of exchange
program in which when lockers are delivered, previously delivered
lockers are picked up and returned. Additionally, in some
embodiments, the system can perform steps similar to those
described herein in a different order, such as backwards, to
retrieve the lockers. For example, the delivery vehicle (or carrier
vehicle) can identify lockers possessed by a customer, retrieve the
lockers from a customer location or retrieval or pickup point,
transport the lockers back to the retrieval point on the carrier
vehicle, and the carrier vehicle can reshelf the lockers. The flow
continues at block 306.
[0030] At block 306, a selected locker is identified. For example,
a control circuit can identify the selected locker. The control
circuit identifies the selected locker as the next of the lockers
to be delivered. In some embodiments, the control circuit receives
a delivery schedule or route and identifies the selected locker
based on the delivery schedule or route. In other embodiments, the
control circuit evaluates current conditions and any changes (e.g.,
exception handling, rerouting, etc.) and identifies a selected
locker dynamically. In either case, block chain or similar
technologies can be used to track and record which lockers are to
be delivered. The flow continues at block 308.
[0031] At block 308, the selected locker is caused to be moved to a
retrieval point. For example, the control circuit can cause the
selected locker to be moved to the retrieval point. The selected
locker is moved to the retrieval point so that a delivery vehicle
can receive the selected locker. The control circuit can cause the
selected locker to move to the retrieval point via a conveyor
mechanism, a carousel mechanism, or any other suitable mechanism.
The flow continues at block 310.
[0032] At block 310, the selected locker is received. For example,
the delivery vehicle can receive the selected locker. The delivery
vehicle includes a delivery dock configured to receive the selected
locker. The delivery vehicle also includes a propulsion mechanism
that enables the delivery vehicle to autonomously deliver the
selected locker. In some embodiments, block chain or similar
technologies can be used to authenticate the locker and/or ensure
that the correct locker is received by the delivery vehicle. The
flow continues at block 312.
[0033] At block 312, the selected locker is delivered. For example,
the delivery vehicle can deliver the selected locker. The delivery
vehicle can deliver the selected locker to a customer's home, a
retail establishment, a warehouse, etc.
[0034] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety
of other modifications, alterations, and combinations can also be
made with respect to the above described embodiments without
departing from the scope of the invention, and that such
modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as
being within the ambit of the inventive concept.
[0035] Generally speaking, pursuant to various embodiments,
systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein useful for
autonomously delivering lockers. In some embodiments, a system
comprises a carrier vehicle, the carrier vehicle comprising a
storage area, a docking station, wherein the docking station
includes a plurality of storage docks, each of the plurality of
storage docks configured to secure at least one locker, wherein the
docking station is located within the storage area, and a retrieval
point, a plurality of lockers, each of the plurality of lockers
configured to house at least one product, a delivery vehicle, the
delivery vehicle comprising a delivery dock, wherein the delivery
dock is configured to receive, at the retrieval point, at least one
locker, and a propulsion mechanism, wherein the propulsion
mechanism propels the delivery vehicle, and a control circuit, the
control circuit configured to identify, from the plurality of
lockers, a selected locker, and cause the selected locker to move
to the retrieval point.
[0036] In some embodiments, an apparatus and a corresponding method
performed by the apparatus, comprises transporting, via a docking
station within a storage area of a carrier vehicle, a plurality of
lockers, wherein the delivery area includes a retrieval point,
housing, within each of the plurality of lockers, at least one
product, identifying, from the plurality of lockers, a selected
locker, causing the selected locker to move from the docking
station to the retrieval point, receiving, via a delivery vehicle
at the retrieval point, the selected locker, and delivering, via
the delivery vehicle, the selected locker.
* * * * *