Recovery and retrieval system for an autonomous vehicle fleet

US12337873B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM Cruise Holdings LLC · US

Inventors

• Disha Kote · Milpitas, US
• John Deniston · Colorado Springs, US
• Tyler Straker · Phoenix, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 7, 2022
• Grant date: Jun 24, 2025
• Expiry date: Aug 23, 2043

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G05D2109/10
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Systems and methods enable an autonomous vehicle (AV) to self-recover or be remotely recovered if the AV is rendered immobilized, without requiring in-person retrieval or tow of the AV. Upon the occurrence of a non-nominal event, the AV performs a dynamic driving task fallback maneuver to achieve a minimal risk condition and secures its cabin. Based on the type and severity of the event, residual AV health, and passenger confirmation, escalating grades of recovery or retrieval are executed as needed to recover from the event and resume operation. Multiple AVs can be monitored simultaneously and addressed based on priority of AV state and recovery/retrieval state, resulting in more efficient fleet management.