Abstract: A method of defining a manufacturing operation for a workstation includes providing a selected manufacturing operation record from among a plurality of manufacturing operation records for a selected manufacturing operation to be executed in the workstation. The method further includes extracting, by a process allocation system, process element data for a plurality of process elements associated with the selected manufacturing operation record. The process element data includes a textual description of the respective process element and a process time. The method further includes determining, by the process allocation system, a predicted operation time for the selected manufacturing operation based on the process element data and a time prediction model, where the time prediction model is a trained model recognizing sequential patterns among the plurality of process elements of the selected manufacturing operation.

Abstract: A plurality of operator controls can, in an operation mode, operate a machine, and, in a validation mode, be disabled to operate the machine and selectable to provide inputs for a candidate key. A computing device can initialize the validation mode, including initializing the candidate key and, according to a number base, and a maximum storage length, of a stored key, an input multiplier; receive a plurality of inputs to the operator controls in the validation mode; determine respective numeric values of the inputs; add the candidate key to a product of the multiplier and the numeric value of a first input to update the candidate key; for each of one or more second inputs to the operator controls after the first input to the operator controls, determine whether the candidate key matches a stored key; and upon determining that the candidate key matches the stored key, output an authorization.

Abstract: Systems and methods to provide security to an occupant of a first vehicle. In an example method, a computer provided in the first vehicle establishes a geofence that surrounds the first vehicle. The computer may detect a second vehicle that is present inside the geofence at one or more times and may react to the detection by obtaining data that provides information about an identity of the second vehicle. In one scenario, the data may be obtained via vehicle-to-vehicle communication between the first vehicle and the second vehicle. The computer may evaluate the data to identify a driver of the second vehicle and to confirm that the second vehicle is carrying out a stalking operation and may pose a security threat. The computer may then automatically contact a police officer to report the security threat.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to, among other things, systems and methods for secure peer-to-peer vehicle rentals. An example method may include receiving, by a node in a distributed ledger network, a request to rent a first vehicle. The example method may also include storing, based on receiving the request, a rental agreement for the vehicle as a transaction on a ledger of the distributed ledger network. The example method may also include receiving, by the ledger, data from a telematics control unit (TCU) of the vehicle during the a duration of the rental agreement. The example method may also include storing the data on the ledger, wherein a first device associated with an owner of the vehicle is prevented from remotely controlling a first set of functions of the vehicle during the duration of the rental agreement, and wherein the first device is also prevented from accessing the data on the ledger.

Abstract: A support assembly for a vehicle is provided that includes a base fixedly coupled to a vehicle interior, a panel disposed on the base, and a track assembly disposed between the base and the panel. The track assembly includes a track and an actuator slidably coupled with the track and coupled with the panel and movable from a first position to a second position to move the panel from a stored position to a deployed position.

Abstract: Vehicle payment communications systems and methods are disclosed herein. An example method can include identifying a shared payment device, the shared payment device being a connected vehicle, transmitting a shared payment request to the shared payment device, the shared payment device authorizing a shared payment for the payment of a good or service to a merchant, receiving an indication that the shared payment has been authorized and completed in accordance with the shared payment request, and obtaining the good or service from the merchant.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for management of electrical resources for electric vehicles. A method may include receiving, by a vehicle, sensor data indicative of a first luminosity of a location, and determining that the first luminosity of the location exceeds a luminosity threshold. The method may include determining, based on the first luminosity exceeding the luminosity threshold, a second luminosity to apply to lights of the vehicle while the vehicle is at the location, the second luminosity greater than zero. The method may include applying the second luminosity to the lights while the vehicle is at the location.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods to predict a vehicle preference of a customer of a rental vehicle agency. An example method to do so involves a computer executing a prediction procedure to obtain and evaluate information associated with a customer. The information can include vehicle ownership history and/or monitoring data obtained from vehicles used by the customer (a personal vehicle, a taxi, and/or a ride share service vehicle, for example). The information may be evaluated by the computer to determine a personal profile of the customer. The personal profile can include items such as physical attributes of the customer, family size, driving characteristics, and/or past vehicle ownership. The personal profile of the customer may then be used by the computer to predict a type of vehicle preferred by the customer and to select, from a vehicle fleet, a vehicle that matches the preferred type of vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a vehicle body defining a cabin interior and comprising a front row of seats and a rear row of seats, a plurality of seats located within the cabin interior, and a monitoring system for detecting and monitoring a pet or passenger within the cabin interior. The vehicle also includes a movable center console positioned between a pair of the forward row of seats and forward of the rear row of seats and comprising a holder for holding a drink container, and a controller processing signals generated by the monitoring system and determining a location of the detected pet or passenger on the rear row of seats based on the processed signals, the controller further controlling the movable console between a forward first position and a rearward second position closer to the rear row of seats.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mobility service demand prediction are disclosed herein. An example method includes determining trips of an existing transportation mode for a geo fenced area that are poorly served. The trips that are poorly served can include any one or more of the trips with a moderately high trip density, a moderately high ratio of transit-private vehicle trips, and/or a moderately high ratio of transit-time to private vehicle travel times. The method can include modeling trips of a new transportation service for a geofenced area, determining, based on the modeling, when the trips of the new transportation service have at least one improved travel parameter relative the trips that are poorly served, as well as generating a mobility service demand prediction that is indicates how likely users are to adopt new transportation service in view of the existing transportation mode.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body including a first frame rail and a second frame rail and a cross-brace directly connected to the first frame rail and the second frame rail. A powertrain-electrification component is supported by the cross-brace. A vehicle subframe is directly connected to the cross-brace. A vehicle-steering gear is connected to the subframe. The direct connection of the subframe to the cross-brace dampens vibration, e.g., road vibration and noise, in the subframe to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness transferred to a vehicle occupant through the vehicle-steering gear.

Abstract: Scenario discriminative hybrid motion control for robots and methods of use are disclosed herein. A method may include determining a number of objects in a space, determining when a goal is within the space, and selectively switching between a plurality of control schemes based on the number of objects in the space and whether the goal is within the space. The plurality of control schemes including a model predictive control scheme, a simplified model predictive control scheme, and a proportional-integral-derivative scheme. Selectively switching between the plurality of control schemes reduces power consumption of an automated system compared to when the automated system utilizes only the model predictive control scheme.

Abstract: While operating a vehicle, a candidate marker is detected via first image data from a first image sensor. Upon failing to identify the candidate marker, vehicle exterior lighting is actuated to illuminate the candidate marker. Then the candidate marker is determined to be one of a real marker or a projected marker based on determining whether the candidate marker is detected via second image data from the first image sensor. Upon determining the candidate marker is the real marker, the vehicle is operated based on the real marker.

Abstract: Systems and methods that allow a smartphone to be used as an imaging device for undercarriage inspection of a moving vehicle are provided. The method may include locating the smartphone on the ground via one or more sensors of the vehicle. The vehicle may generate a path for the vehicle to drive over the smartphone based on the location of the smartphone, and optionally display the path to facilitate manual driving of the vehicle by the driver over the smartphone. Alternatively, the vehicle may self-drive to follow the path. The smartphone may capture image data indicative of the undercarriage of the vehicle, inspect and analyze the image data to identify one or more issues of the undercarriage of the vehicle, and transmit the analyzed image data to the vehicle for display. The driver may confirm the one or more issues and transmit the data to an inspection professional for additional assistance if needed.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for controlling microbial contamination of scooters are disclosed. A method may include determining that a user interaction with a vehicle is complete, presenting a first indication that the vehicle is unavailable for use, activating a heating element of the vehicle, the heating element associated with a microbial reduction process, determining that a time period associated with the microbial reduction process has expired, deactivating, based on the expiration of the time period, the heating element of the vehicle, and presenting a second indication that the vehicle is available for use.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods to classify a road based on a level of support offered by the road for autonomous driving operations. An example method may involve a computer receiving sensor data from a vehicle, the sensor data containing information about a current functional condition of a road. The computer may predict a future functional condition of the road by using a deterioration model to evaluate the sensor data. The computer may then determine a level of support offered by the road for autonomous driving operations based on the future functional condition of the road, and assign a classification to the road based on the level of support offered by the road for autonomous driving operations. The level of support offered by the road for autonomous driving operations may also be based on items such as road markings, traffic signs, traffic signals, and/or infrastructure elements.

Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed to generating travel route information that is interpretable by a delivery robot for traversing a last mile of a delivery. In an example embodiment, an individual captures a video clip while moving along a travel route that is preferred by the individual for use by the delivery robot. The video clip is converted into a digital route map that the delivery robot uses to reach a package drop-off location on the property. In another example embodiment, an individual captures an image of a portion of the property and appends oral instructions to reach the package drop-off location. The image and the oral instructions are converted into a digital route map for use by the delivery robot. In yet another example embodiment, markers affixed to a surface of a traversable area on the property are used by the delivery robot to reach the package drop-off location.

Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a first rocker and a second rocker spaced from each other. A first slider is slideably engaged with the first rocker, and a second slider is slideably engaged with the second rocker. A first pyrotechnic actuator is supported by the first rocker and is configured to slide the first slider relative to the first rocker. A second pyrotechnic actuator is supported by the second rocker and is configured to slide the second slider relative to the second rocker. A cable extends from the first slider to the second slider.

Abstract: Multi-mode personal transportation and delivery devices and methods of use are disclosed herein. A method can include providing a preview of an opening height of a tailgate to a user, where the opening height is defined by a distance of liftgate that is measured relative to a ground plane, receiving feedback to adjust the opening height, creating a customized liftgate opening height from the feedback, and storing the customized liftgate opening height in a user account.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle includes determining, via a processor disposed in communication with a sensory device disposed in an interior surface of a cargo bin of a delivery vehicle, that a first package is loaded in the cargo bin, causing to scan, via the processor, a bar code disposed on an exterior surface of the first package, causing to measure, via a RADAR sensory device disposed in the cargo bin, dimensional information associated with the first package, determining, based on the dimensional information, that the cargo bin is loaded at full capacity, causing to illuminate an output device indicative that the cargo bin is loaded at full capacity, determining, via the processor, a cargo bin door closed status and generating, via the processor, an output indicating whether the vehicle is ready for delivery.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes an upper housing. The sensor assembly includes a monolithic lower housing fixed to the upper housing and defining a chamber therebetween. The monolithic lower housing defines a drain channel that slopes downward and outward in the chamber. The sensor assembly may be mounted to a roof of a vehicle. Specifically, the monolithic lower housing may be fixed to the roof.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for generating visual symbols that uniquely identify various sounds. An example method to generate a visual symbol can involve identifying a sound and assigning quantization values to various attributes of the sound. In an example implementation, a numerical template is used to assign a quantization value to each attribute. A set of such quantization values constitute a graphical representation that can be designated as a visual symbol of the sound. In an example application, the quantization values corresponding to the visual symbol can be stored in a memory along with quantization values corresponding to other visual symbols of other sounds. The memory may then be used for various purposes such as, for example, to perform a search for sounds that are similar to a desired sound.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for remote control of autonomous vehicles are disclosed herein. A method may include receiving, by a device, first data indicative of an autonomous vehicle in a parking area, and determining, based on the first data, a location of the autonomous vehicle. The method may include determining, based on a the location, first image data including a representation of an object. The method may include generating second image data based on the first data and the first image data, and presenting the second image data. The method may include receiving an input associated with controlling operation of the autonomous vehicle, and controlling, based on the input, the operation of the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: An inspection probe and system for inspecting a welded or brazed joint includes a housing having an internal cavity and opposed tapered standoffs disposed at a distal end portion of the housing. Distal ends of the opposed tapered standoffs define pivot surfaces, and the opposed tapered standoffs are spaced apart to define a secondary enclosure. A plurality of transducer elements are disposed within the internal cavity of the housing and a primary coupling medium made of a flexible, semi-solid material is secured between the opposed tapered standoffs. A signal processing module is in communication with a data acquisition unit, which is in communication with the transducer elements. The inspection probe is rotated across the joint, data from the transducer elements is communicated to the signal processing module, and reconstructed and corrected images obtained at different angles from the transducer elements are stitched to generate an inspection image.

Abstract: A computer, including a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions to be executed by the processor to train a quantile neural network to input an image and output a lower quantile (LQ) prediction, a median quantile (MQ) prediction and an upper quantile (UQ) prediction corresponding to an object in the image, wherein an LQ loss, an MQ loss and a UQ loss are determined for the LQ prediction, the MQ prediction and the UQ prediction respectively and wherein the LQ loss, the MQ loss and the UQ loss are combined to form a base layer loss and output the quantile neural network.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for contactless vehicle codes are presented. A method may include receiving, by a vehicle, a first request to present a code associated with an activity. The method may include sending a second request to a device, the second request indicative of the activity. The method may include receiving, from the device, the code, wherein the code includes information associated with the activity. The method may include presenting, using a display of the vehicle, the code.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein are configured to securely deliver items to a vehicle. In particular, a delivery is authenticated before access is provided to the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for assembling a plurality of components into an assembly is provided. The system includes an installation table, a first transfer robot, a second transfer robot, and an adhesive dispensing robot. The first transfer robot is configured to assemble some of the plurality of components into a first sub-assembly and transfer the first sub-assembly to the installation table. The second transfer robot is configured to assemble remaining ones of the plurality of components into a second sub-assembly, transfer the second sub-assembly to the installation table, and attach the second sub-assembly to the first sub-assembly. The adhesive dispensing robot is configured to apply an adhesive between the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly, after the second sub-assembly is attached to the first sub-assembly, to bond the second sub-assembly to the first sub-assembly.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing method wherein an object is manufactured by powder being applied layer-by-layer by an application device onto a base along a buildup surface and being bonded in regions to form a matrix. To provide an efficient additive powder bed method, a position of the base is checked by at least one measurement with a sensor device and the position of the base is automatically corrected at least in relation to the application device based on the at least one measurement.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for capless refueling system of a vehicle. In one example, a method may include cleaning a capless unit of a capless refueling system by generating vacuum in the capless refueling system and delivering compressed air to the capless unit from an electrical booster of an engine. The compressed air may be delivered to the capless unit via a two-way valve configured to control a flow path of the compressed air.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a controller that sends a charge request defining a charge location to a charge donor vehicle for vehicle-to-vehicle charging, responsive to not detecting a charge cable that satisfies the charge request in the vehicle and the charge donor vehicle, sends a borrow request including the charge location to a charge cable donor vehicle, and responsive to confirmation from the charge donor vehicle and charge cable donor vehicle, directs the vehicle to drive to the charge location.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a transmission, a powerplant, an inertial measurement unit, and a controller. The transmission has an input shaft and an output shaft. The powerplant is configured to generate and deliver torque to the input shaft. The inertial measurement unit is configured to measure inertial forces exerted onto the vehicle. The controller is programmed to, in response to a demanded torque at the output shaft and a non-transient condition of the vehicle, control the torque at the output shaft based on a torque at the input shaft and a gear ratio of the step-ratio transmission. The controller is further programmed to, in response to the demanded torque at the output shaft and a transient condition of the vehicle, control the torque at the output shaft based on the inertial forces and a vehicle velocity.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, an electric machine, and a controller. The electric machine is rotatably coupled to the engine and is configured to deliver electrical power to electrical accessories. The controller is programmed to, in response to a control signal loss between the electric machine and the controller, limit torque output of electric machine to less than a torque threshold that corresponds to the power threshold. The controller is further programmed to, in response an accessory power demand being greater than the power threshold, control the engine to power the electric machine to increase the torque output of electric machine to greater than the torque threshold to meet the accessory power demand.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a fluid tank. In one example, the fluid tank comprises an ice guiding device extending into an interior volume of the fluid tank, wherein the ice guiding device extends past a fill limit line of the interior volume.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system for an engine includes a conduit, and a mixer. The conduit is configured to direct to direct exhaust gas away from an exhaust manifold. The mixer is configured to direct exhaust gas from the conduit, into an engine air intake system. The mixer is arranged with an exhaust gas mixing volute chamber having a plurality of mixing vanes configured to direct the exhaust gas into a central intake airflow upstream of an intake manifold.

Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment device includes a catalyst assembly having an electrically conductive carrier matrix and first and second electrodes. The first and second electrodes have terminals attached on opposing sides of the catalyst assembly to be electrically connected to each other through the carrier matrix and configured to generate heat. A first elongate heat sink extends axially along the first electrode and is configured to absorb a portion of the heat to mitigate formation of hotspots.

Abstract: A water heating system for a vehicle includes, among other things, a container and an assembly of a vehicle. The assembly has a thermal energy level that increases as a result of operating the vehicle. The system further includes a path that communicates water back-and-forth between the container and the assembly to increase amount of thermal energy within water that is in the container, and an outlet configured to dispense water from the container for use by a user.

Abstract: A reference pose of an object in a coordinate system of a map of an area is determined. The reference pose is based on a three-dimensional (3D) reference model representing the object. A first pose of the object is determined as the object moves with respect to the coordinate system. The first pose is determined based on the reference pose and sensor data collected by the sensor at a first time. A second pose of the object is determined as the object continues to move with respect to the coordinate system. The second pose is determined based on the reference pose, the first pose, and sensor data collected by the sensor at a second time consecutive to the first time.

Abstract: An electric machine stator includes a cylindrical core, windings, a plurality of terminal plates, a plurality of parallel lead wire pairs. The cylindrical core extends axially between a front surface and a back surface. The windings have multiple phases and are disposed radially along the core. Each of the pairs of parallel lead wires extend axially between the front surface and one of the terminal plates. Each of the pairs of parallel lead wires electrically connects one of the terminal plates to one phase of the windings.

Abstract: Barriers for rear frame mounted spare tires are disclosed. An example vehicle disclosed herein includes a frame including a cross member, a spare tire, a skid plate, and a barrier extending between the skid plate and the cross member, the barrier abutting the spare tire, the barrier including a first surface having a first curvature, the first curvature concave relative to a rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A server includes a processor, programmed to receive a vehicle location from a vehicle, receive a weather condition of the vehicle location from a cloud server, responsive to receiving a calendar of a user including an event, calculate a departure time based on the vehicle location and a location of the event, responsive to receiving a desired cabin temperature of the user from a mobile device, calculate a minimum time for the vehicle to reach the desired cabin temperature based on the weather condition, calculate a vehicle start time using the departure time and the minimum time, and send an instruction to the vehicle to start at the vehicle start time.

Abstract: A vehicle charging system includes a vehicle propelled by an electric machine powered by a chargeable energy storage system. The charging system also includes a controller programmed to predict at least one upcoming plug-in event based on historical charging data, and define a plug-in routine based on a plurality of upcoming plug-in events. The controller is also programmed to set a charging schedule to coincide with the plug-in routine such that a target state of charge (SOC) is achieved at a conclusion of each of the plurality of upcoming plug-in events. Each target SOC corresponding to a plug-in event is based on minimizing a charging energy cost of the plug-in routine and an expected energy depletion ahead of a next subsequent plug-in event.

Abstract: A computer is programmed to identify a turning center defined by a turning radius of the vehicle and a heading angle of the vehicle, identify a boundary circle having a center defined by the turning center and a radius extending to a location of a detected object, identify coordinates for each of a plurality of vertices of an external contour of the vehicle, the external contour defining a plurality of line segments, each line segment connecting two of the vertices, upon identifying at least one line segment that intersects the boundary circle, identify at least one of an object distance or an intersection time between the object and the vehicle, and actuate at least one of a steering or a brake to avoid the object when the object distance is below a distance threshold or the intersection time is below a time threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a battery that is rechargeable using an external power source coupled to the vehicle. The vehicle includes a controller that is programmed to estimate parameters of the battery using a parameter estimation algorithm. The controller is programmed to change a charging current when connected to the external power source to provide an input to the parameter estimation algorithm that is sufficiently dynamic such that the parameter estimation algorithm converges to an accurate solution.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain having an electric machine configured to power driven wheels, an accelerator pedal, and friction brakes. A vehicle controller is programmed to, with the vehicle being in a one-pedal driving mode: in response to a braking torque capacity of the powertrain exceeding a target braking torque that is based on a position of the accelerator pedal, command a torque, that is equal to the target braking torque, from the powertrain such that the vehicle is slowed using the powertrain without application of the friction brakes, and, in response to the braking torque capacity of the powertrain being less than the target braking torque, command torques from the powertrain and the friction brakes such that the target braking torque is satisfied and the vehicle is slowed using the powertrain and the friction brakes.

Abstract: A vehicle inverter is arranged to transform direct current power from a power supply to alternating current power for an outlet. The inverter includes a transformer electrically connected between the power supply and outlet, a resistive element that can be selectively electrically connected in parallel with the transformer via a multiway switch to establish a direct electrical connection between the power supply and outlet, and a controller that selectively commands the multiway switch to close according to values indicative of resistance between the power supply and outlet before and after the multiway switch is closed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring the health of a vehicle battery are described, in which an example vehicle includes a vehicle battery, one or more vehicle battery sensors, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine a battery health metric of the vehicle battery, wherein the battery health metric is based on a battery service time, a battery state of charge, and a battery temperature. The processor is also configured to perform a battery refresh operation on the vehicle battery responsive to determining that the battery health metric is above a refresh threshold. And the processor is further configured to activate a vehicle alert responsive to determining that the battery health metric is above an end-of-life threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing heat loss to a turbocharger during cold engine starting are described. In one example, a turbocharger bypass pipe and a turbocharger turbine pipe are oriented at forty five degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of a catalyst so that a turbocharger turbine may be completely bypassed, thereby increasing the amount of energy that may be transferred to the catalyst.

Abstract: Methods and system are described for changing a driveline gear range from a higher gear range to a lower gear range. The driveline may include two electric machines and four clutches in a four wheel drive configuration. The methods and systems permit a driveline to change from a higher gear range to a lower gear range without stopping a vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for selectively inhibiting a stop-start controller of a vehicle based on a predicted anxiety of a driver of the vehicle on a road segment that includes one or more road attributes associated with increased levels of anxiety. In one example, selectively inhibiting a stop-start controller of a vehicle based on a predicted anxiety of a driver of the vehicle includes determining a driver classification for a driver operating the vehicle; predicting an anxiety level of the driver at an upcoming traffic condition, based on the driver classification; and selectively inhibiting an upcoming engine idle-stop event based on the predicted anxiety level of the driver.