Patent attributes
An unmanned and self-powered vehicle or Towable Autonomous Dray (TOAD) may follow a vehicle and tow a trailer, haul a load, and/or recharge a pilot vehicle. The TOAD may be semi-autonomous and may attach to a pilot vehicle by an electronic identification. Further, wireless charging of the pilot vehicle may be provided by the TOAD. Smart trailer brakes, electric trailer axles, and a mechanically coupled tow vehicle may be provided by the TOAD in combination with additional units. A smart trailer controller may include a smart head unit and a smart tail unit in a trailer that may offer trailer security and increased safety. A smart trailer brake controller on the pilot vehicle and a smart module on the trailer may be applied where no unmanned vehicle is employed, such as, in a classic pick-up/trailer combination.
