AV Exit, LLC is a team of robotics experts with decades of experience creating innovative automation applications. Anticipating rapid Artificial Intelligence (AI) advances in mobility, we created a fully automated swapping and safety system for modular autonomous vehicles (MAVs).
MAVs take full advantage of coming multi-million-mile battery technology, by keeping the same power platform in use while the passenger module (or pod) is swapped as desired, either routinely or over time.
Our patented and patent-pending Autonomous Vehicle Exchange and Exit System (or AV Exit) allows entire passenger pods to be exchanged by the power platform anytime, anywhere, using the motors and wheels. In an emergency, the system also enables AI-determined deployment of the separable pod as an “escape pod.”
AV Exit makes MAVs more efficient, versatile, and safe. To advance this new paradigm in personal mobility, we seek investment, acquisition, and/or licensing of AV Exit for development. Contact us for more information.
A modular autonomous vehicle (MAV) design with a separable Power Module and passenger Pod Module provides more choice and convenience for passengers. This format allows purpose-built vehicles to be used for a variety of purposes.
While MAVs are not a new concept, how AV Exit achieves modular exchange is novel. AV Exit’s patent-pending Exchange Protocol uses the autonomous Power Module’s motors and wheels to offload and on-load the Pod Module. Built-in, retractable stands facilitate both easy swapping and Pod Module storage when detached (as shown in the Gallery).
Either module can be automatically exchanged within minutes at home or away (at, say, a dealership during the sales process). Each Pod Module is acquired at lower cost per module for the customer while improving margins for the manufacturer.
Even with tomorrow’s AI, traffic accidents are bound to happen, especially when encountering human drivers. MAVs offer unique opportunities for sophisticated AI to maintain passenger safety. AV Exit features the patented Exit Protocol, which allows the Pod Module to become an escape pod.
When AI-powered analysis and sensors detect unavoidable impact, AI will use nested data to determine the safest possible escape route, anytime, anywhere. The Power Module’s motors and wheels are used to discharge the separated Pod Module along that safe path. In certain accident scenarios, sending the Pod Module away from the Power Module can enhance safety by reducing speed and weight while increasing drag. See our animated Exit Protocol Demo video.
AV Exit, LLC IP is available for sale or license. We will provide design options for implementation and other detailed consultation. Contact Us for more information.
AV Exit is designed to advance adoption of autonomous vehicles by a wide range of owner-passengers. AV Exit’s profitable implementation will fulfill the promise of what Nvidia’s Jensen Huang called “the first multi-trillion dollar robotics industry,” autonomous vehicles. We believe sophisticated AI-capable processors are crucial to AV safety, sustainability, convenience, and choice, which are the four pillars of AV Exit.
Technological change brings challenges as well as opportunity. For example, recent studies in battery technology suggest an extremely durable EV/AV platform is coming, meaning future AV owners won’t necessarily need to replace their cars for many years. If owning a million-mile AV became the norm, sales would decline. With AV model development budgets reduced, bored customers might find hailing a robotaxi more appealing than ownership.
To sustain the freedom, choice, and individuality of personal mobility, AV Exit is a cost-effective automated subsystem which will accelerate both AV model development and the sales cycle. AV Exit makes platform durability a winning proposition for the AV maker and consumer, as well as the global environment. Modular vehicles equipped with AV Exit will stand out in the crowd of self-driving cars while ensuring model profitability and resource sustainability.
AV Exit mobile phone application initiates the user-desired change from one Pod Module to another. Options include a variety of Pod Module styles (e.g., pickup, RV/sleeper, or entertainment-focused Pod). Pod Modules may be owned or available from outside services. Once initiated, the Exchange Protocol is performed autonomously.
AV Exit’s Exchange Protocol incorporates common AV components (processor, sensors, motors, and tires). New parts include automated capture/release devices for the Pod Module; electrical, data and optional pneumatic connectors; tire contact and ledge (opt. over motor bump tracking); and integrated stands (see Gallery).
AV Exit’s Exchange Protocol fulfills needs cost-effectively. The extremely durable Power Module (lasting potentially millions of miles) means generations of Pod Modules will be used over that time. Pod Modules can be exchanged in minutes. Purpose, aesthetics and business module changes done just-in-time. Customer cost for another Pod Module option (rent or buy) is much less than a unibody design. Manufacturers achieve improved margins for both Power- and Pod Modules and entice more frequent return customers due to convenience and appeal.
At speed and with sufficient time before impact, the Exit Protocol uses the Power Module’s motor and wheel-spinning torque to discharge the separate Pod Module from the Power Module and away from the impact zone. See Exit Protocol Demo video.
The detached Pod Module weighs much less than an intact AV; the detached Pod Module also has an expanded friction area at its base which reduces speed as it drags to a stop. These inertia-dampening factors address a high percentage of collision-related passenger injuries and fatalities.
AV Exit uses sensors, processing, software, and wireless information to calculate the safest discharge path (escape route) on a continuous basis, just in case the Exit Protocol should be initiated. Steering and wheel-spinning torque allow multiple directional vectors towards safety.
AV Exit was invented by company founder and CEO Dave Carroll, a serial entrepreneur who has been a leader in automation since 1983, when he launched the first college-accredited robotics technician training program. It is still going strong today.
Carroll co-founded Robot Aided Manufacturing Center, Inc., in 1986. As a distributor of industrial robots, RAM Center won multiple national sales awards for its innovative custom applications. RAM Center also pioneered automation in fast-food restaurants and retail robotics.
While he ultimately sold RAM Center to one of its many happy clients, Dave never stopped inventing. One of his 100-plus issued patents, US 11,618,474, is the basis for his current autonomous vehicle innovations.
AV Exit automates MAV pod exchange for user convenience and safety. By providing unique solutions for owner-passengers, AV use will grow, representing a new paradigm in personal mobility. The environmental and safety impacts will help save lives of all generations, for generations to come.
