Systems and methods for autonomous mobile food preparation and delivery

Methods and systems are provided for delivering food. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving, by a processor, a food delivery request; autonomously preparing food, by the processor and at least one robot or task specific device, based on the food delivery request in a compartment configured to be sterile of an autonomous vehicle; and autonomously delivering the prepared food by the autonomous vehicle.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field generally relates to autonomous vehicles, and more particularly relates to methods and systems for providing movable food by way of an autonomous vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Personal food delivery services typically prepare food and/or drinks in a kitchen environment, package the food and/or drinks for transportation, and personally drive the packaged food and/or drinks to the requesting address. Each stage of the food delivery service potentially exposes the food and/or drinks to many people and the environment. In such systems, prior to acceptance by the user, the food and/or drink is exposed to many potential contaminants.

An autonomous vehicle is a vehicle that is capable of sensing its environment and navigating with little or no user input. An autonomous vehicle senses its environment using sensing devices such as radar, lidar, image sensors, etc. The autonomous vehicle system further uses information from global positioning systems (GPS) technology, navigation systems, and/or drive-by-wire systems to navigate the vehicle.

Autonomous vehicles are typically used to carry passengers from point A to point B. It is desirable to make use of the autonomous vehicle to transport the food and/or drinks to a requesting location to prevent exposure to the many potential contaminants. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.

SUMMARY

Methods and systems are provided for delivering food. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving, by a processor, a food delivery request; autonomously preparing food, by the processor and at least one robot or task specific device, based on the food delivery request in a compartment configured to be sterile of an autonomous vehicle; and autonomously delivering the prepared food by the autonomous vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With initial reference toFIG. 1, a transportation system10that manages a fleet11of one or more vehicles12-12nis shown to be associated with a mobile food preparation and delivery system14in accordance with various embodiments. The transportation system10can reside on a remote system16, on the vehicle12, or partially on the remote system16and partially on the vehicles12-12n(as shown as discussed herein). The fleet11of one more vehicles12-12ncan include autonomous vehicles, semi-autonomous vehicles, non-autonomous vehicles, or any combination thereof. For exemplary purposes, the disclosure will be discussed in the context of the fleet11including one or more autonomous vehicles hereinafter referred to as autonomous vehicle12. Although a single vehicle12is illustrated inFIG. 1in detail, for clarity, it is understood that the fleet11can include more than a single vehicle12having the same or similar components.

In accordance with a typical use case workflow, a registered user of the mobile food preparation and delivery system14can create a delivery request via a personal device (such as a cell phone) or other device17. The delivery request will typically indicate the user's desired food or drink, a desired delivery location (or current GPS location), a desired delivery time, and any special instructions. The remote system16receives the delivery request, processes the request, and dispatches a selected one of the autonomous vehicles12-12n(when and if one is available) of the fleet11to prepare and delivery the requested food or drink at the designated location and at the appropriate time. The remote system16can also generate and send a suitably configured confirmation message or notification to the user device, to let the passenger know that a vehicle is on the way. Once dispatched, the autonomous vehicle12autonomously drives to the location at the requested time while preparing the requested food or drink in a sterile environment and in an autonomous manner.

As shown inFIG. 1, the autonomous vehicle12of the fleet11includes, among other features, a chassis shown in phantom at18, a body20, front wheels22, and rear wheels24. The body20is arranged on the chassis18and substantially encloses components of the vehicle12. The body20and the chassis18may jointly form a frame. The wheels22-24are each rotationally coupled to the chassis18near a respective corner of the body20. The body20and the chassis18are designed such that the vehicle12is divided into at least two compartments, a first compartment26and a second compartment28.

The first compartment26, hereinafter referred to as the vehicle operation compartment26, is shown in more detail inFIG. 2Aand generally includes a propulsion system30, a transmission system32, a braking system34, a steering system36, a sensor system38, an actuator system40, and a controller system42. The propulsion system30may, in various embodiments, include an internal combustion engine, an electric machine such as a traction motor, and/or a fuel cell propulsion system. The transmission system32is configured to transmit power from the propulsion system30to the vehicle wheels22-24(FIG. 1) according to selectable speed ratios. The braking system34is configured to provide braking torque to the vehicle wheels22-24. The braking system34may, in various embodiments, include friction brakes, brake by wire, a regenerative braking system such as an electric machine, and/or other appropriate braking systems. The steering system36influences a position of the of the vehicle wheels22-24.

The sensor system38includes one or more sensing devices43a-43nthat sense observable conditions of the exterior environment and/or of the interior environment of the autonomous vehicle12(FIG. 1). The sensing devices43a-43ncan include, but are not limited to, radars, lidars, global positioning systems, optical cameras, thermal cameras, ultrasonic sensors, internal measurement units, and/or other sensors that provide data for use in the control and navigation of the autonomous vehicle12(FIG. 1).

The actuator system40includes one or more actuator devices45a-45nthat control one or more vehicle features such as, but not limited to, the propulsion system30, the transmission system32, the steering system36, and the braking system34.

The controller system42includes at least one controller44. The controller44includes at least one processor46and a computer readable storage device or media48. The processor46can be any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the controller44, a semiconductor based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), a macroprocessor, any combination thereof, or generally any device for executing instructions. The computer readable storage device or media48may include volatile and nonvolatile storage in read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM), for example. The computer-readable storage device or media48may be implemented using any of a number of known memory devices such as PROMs (programmable read-only memory), EPROMs (electrically PROM), EEPROMs (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electric, magnetic, optical, or combination memory devices capable of storing data, some of which represent executable instructions, used by the controller44in controlling the autonomous vehicle12(FIG. 1).

The instructions may include one or more separate programs, each of which comprises an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. The instructions, when executed by the processor46, receive and process signals from the sensor system38, perform logic, calculations, methods and/or algorithms for automatically controlling the components of the autonomous vehicle12(FIG. 1), and generate control signals to the actuator system40to automatically control the components of the autonomous vehicle12(FIG. 1) based on the logic, calculations, methods, and/or algorithms. Although only one controller44is shown inFIG. 2A, embodiments of the autonomous vehicle12(FIG. 1) can include any number of controllers44that communicate over any suitable communication medium or a combination of communication mediums and that cooperate to process the sensor signals, perform logic, calculations, methods, and/or algorithms, and generate control signals to automatically control features of the autonomous vehicle12(FIG. 1).

The controller system42may further include a data storage device50and/or a communication system52. The data storage device50stores data for use in automatically controlling the autonomous vehicle12(FIG. 1) in an autonomous or semi-autonomous manner. In various embodiments, the data storage device50stores defined maps of the navigable environment. In various embodiments, the defined maps may be predefined by and obtained from the remote system16(FIG. 1). For example, the defined maps may be assembled by systems of the remote system16(FIG. 1) and communicated to the autonomous vehicle12(FIG. 1) (wirelessly and/or in a wired manner) and stored in the data storage device50. As can be appreciated, the data storage device50may be part of the controller44, separate from the controller44, or part of the controller44and part of a separate system.

The communication system52is configured to wirelessly communicate information to and from the remote system16(FIG. 1) and/or other entities54, such as but not limited to, other vehicles (“V2V” communication) infrastructure (“V2I” communication), remote systems, and/or personal devices. The information is provided to the controller44for use in autonomously or semi-autonomously controlling the autonomous vehicle12(FIG. 1). In an exemplary embodiment, the communication system52is a wireless communication system configured to communicate via a wireless local area network (WLAN) using IEEE 802.11 standards or by using cellular data communication. However, additional or alternate communication methods, such as a dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) channel, are also considered within the scope of the present disclosure. DSRC channels refer to one-way or two-way short-range to medium-range wireless communication channels specifically designed for automotive use and a corresponding set of protocols and standards.

With reference back toFIG. 1, in various embodiments, the vehicle operation compartment26is implemented as a separate and distinct compartment from the second compartment28. In particular, the second compartment28is implemented such that certain internal environmental conditions of the second compartment can be maintained without interference from the vehicle operation compartment26(e.g., vapors, vibration, noise, etc.).

While the vehicle operation compartment26is depicted as being to one side of the second compartment28, it is appreciated that the first compartment26may be alternatively implemented entirely below the second compartment28, partially to one or more sides of and partially below the second compartment28, so long as potential contaminants from the first compartment26are prevented from entering the second compartment28.

The second compartment28, hereinafter referred to the food management compartment28, generally includes a sterile food management system56. The sterile food management system56manages the storage, the preparation, and the delivery of food and/or drinks requested by a user. As will be realized by the detailed discussion below, the sterile food management system56manages the food and/or drink in a way that avoids contamination or spoiling of the food and/or drink by the environment and/or humans; the sterile food management system56manages the food and/or drink in a manner that avoid errors in preparation; and the sterile food management system56manages the food and/or drink in a manner that provides an improved quality of food at the time of delivery.

Exemplary embodiments of the sterile food management system56are shown in more detail with regard toFIG. 2BthroughFIGS. 3-8. As shown inFIG. 2B, the sterile food management system56generally includes a storage system60, a preparation system62, a packaging system64, a dispensing system66, an actuator system68, a sensor system70, and a controller system72.

The storage system60includes one or more storage compartments containing one or more receptacles for storing various ingredients, preparation materials, packaging materials, and disposable materials. For example, the receptacles can include, but are not limited to, bags, boxes, containers, pallets, pods, rolls, trays, and tubes. As can be appreciated, one or more of the ingredients and materials may be packaged (e.g., hermetic sealing, or other methods) in addition to being stored.

In various embodiments, the conditions (e.g., temperature, moisture level, pressure, light levels, etc.) of the storage compartments and/or the receptacles are controlled collectively or individually to maintain an overall quality of the food. In various embodiments, a collection of preservatives (e.g., lemon spray or other preservatives) may be controlled and applied to the materials to maintain an overall quality.

In various embodiments, the storage compartments can be arranged into a primary storage and auxiliary storage. The primary storage stores materials and/or ingredients that are ready to be used in preparation; and the auxiliary storage stores extra materials and/or ingredients that are delivered to the vehicle12(FIG. 1) and that may later be ready for use in preparation. In various embodiments, the primary storage may have associated storage conditions that are more sterile than the auxiliary storage, or vice versa.

The storage system60further includes one or more robots or task specific devices. The robots or task specific devices are actuated to insert ingredients or materials into the receptacles, remove ingredients from the receptacles, unpackage the ingredients or materials, and/or move ingredients or materials between the primary storage and the auxiliary storage.

The preparation system62includes one or more robots or task specific devices for food preparation such as, but not limited to, devices configured to chop, cube, dice, dip, dress, drizzle, emulsify, flip, foam, froth, grade, knead, mix, press, roll, rotisserie, spread, sprinkle, squeeze, turn, toss, whisk, etc. The preparation system62further includes one or more robots or task specific devices that are actuated to dispense via the methods described in paragraph insert ingredients or materials into the receptacles, remove ingredients from the receptacles, unpackage, or move ingredient on top of, into, or within a location specific to the preparation specifications.

The packaging system64includes one or more packaging devices such as, but not limited to, cones, cups, plates, pockets, or any other type of container defined as desirable as to preparation, presentation and preservation, which may also include hermetic sealing or use of thermal dividers as to segregate warm from cold. The packaging devices may further include devices applicable to certain weather and/or temperature conditions such as waterproof and/or thermal products.

The packaging system64further includes one or more robots or task specific devices that are actuated to package multiple different items culminating into a single delivered package. For example, combinations of different foods or drinks, cutlery, napkins, pamphlets may be packaged and then further packaged into a single delivery package.

The dispensing system66includes one or more robots and/or task specific devices configured to place the package within, on, or under, a target area, open a delivery window, maneuver a delivery tray, etc. In various embodiments, the dispensing system66may further include an aerial drone that picks up and completes the delivery to a target area. In various embodiments, a separate smaller drone ground based vehicle may complete the delivery to a target area. The dispensing system66may monitor regions of dispense for motion or thermal activity so as to avoid undesirable interaction or obstacles.

The sensor system38includes one or more sensing devices74a-74nthat sense observable conditions of the storage system60, the preparation system62, the packaging system64, and the dispensing system66. The sensing devices74a-74ncan include, but are not limited to, cameras or other image sensors (e.g., to confirm size, color, quality, etc. of materials, ingredients, environmental conditions, etc.), thermal sensors, pressure sensors, firmness sensors (e.g., strain gauge), scales to confirm weight, light spectrum sensors, radiation sensors, carbon monoxide or other element sensors, etc.

In various embodiments, one or more of the sensing devices74a-74nare monitoring sensors that monitor a material or an ingredient in the storage system and generate signals indicative of an amount of the material or ingredient. In various embodiments, one or more of the sensing devices74a-74nare monitoring sensors that monitor a material or an ingredient in the storage system and generate signals indicative of a content of the material or ingredient. In various embodiments, one or more of the sensing devices74a-74nare monitoring sensors that monitor a prepared food or drink and generate signals indicative of a quality of the prepared food or drink. In various embodiments, one or more of the sensing devices74a-74nare monitoring sensors that monitor a packaged food or drink and generate signals indicative of a quality of the packaged food or drink. In various embodiments, one or more of the sensing devices74a-74nare environment monitoring sensors that monitor a condition of the environment of the storage system, the preparation system, and/or the dispensing system and generate signals indicative of a value of the condition.

The actuator system68includes one or more actuator devices76a-76nthat control one or more features or robots of the storage system60, the preparation system62, the packaging system64, and the dispensing system66.

Each of the systems60-70is autonomously managed and/or controlled by one or more controllers78of the controller system72. For exemplary purposes,FIG. 2Billustrates a single controller78that is associated with all of the system60-70. As can be appreciated the functions performed by the single controller78may be parsed into separate controllers (not shown) as needed in various embodiments.

The controller78includes at least one processor80and a computer readable storage device or media82. The processor80can be any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the controller78, a semiconductor based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), a macroprocessor, any combination thereof, or generally any device for executing instructions. The computer readable storage device or media82may include volatile and nonvolatile storage in read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM), for example. The computer-readable storage device or media48may be implemented using any of a number of known memory devices such as PROMs (programmable read-only memory), EPROMs (electrically PROM), EEPROMs (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electric, magnetic, optical, or combination memory devices capable of storing data, some of which represent executable instructions, used by the controller78in systems60-68.

The instructions may include one or more separate programs, each of which comprises an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. The instructions, when executed by the processor46, receive and process signals from the sensor system70, perform logic, calculations, methods and/or algorithms for automatically controlling the components of the systems60-68, and generate control signals to the actuator system68to automatically control the components of the systems60-66based on the logic, calculations, methods, and/or algorithms.

The controller system72may further include a data storage device84and/or a communication system86. The data storage device84stores data for use in automatically controlling the systems60-68in an autonomous or semi-autonomous manner. In various embodiments, the data storage device84stores defined recipes for preparing food or a drink, and defined packing instructions for packaging food or a drink. For example, the instructions may be assembled by systems of the remote system16(FIG. 1) and communicated to the autonomous vehicle12(FIG. 1) (wirelessly and/or in a wired manner) and stored in the data storage device84. As can be appreciated, the data storage device84may be part of the controller78, separate from the controller78and communicatively coupled to the controller78, or part of the controller78and part of a separate system.

The communication system86is configured to wirelessly communicate information to and from the remote system16(FIG. 1) and/or other entities54, such as but not limited to, other vehicles (“V2V” communication) infrastructure (“V2I” communication), remote systems, and/or personal devices. The information is provided to the controller78for use in autonomously or semi-autonomously controlling the systems60-68. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication system86is a wireless communication system configured to communicate via a wireless local area network (WLAN) using IEEE 802.11 standards or by using cellular data communication. However, additional or alternate communication methods, such as a dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) channel, are also considered within the scope of the present disclosure. DSRC channels refer to one-way or two-way short-range to medium-range wireless communication channels specifically designed for automotive use and a corresponding set of protocols and standards.

With reference toFIG. 3and with continued reference toFIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, a dataflow diagram illustrates various embodiments of the controller78in more detail. As can be appreciated, various embodiments of the controller78can include any number of sub-modules. The sub-modules shown inFIG. 3may be combined and/or further partitioned to similarly manage the systems60-68ofFIG. 2B. Inputs to the controller78may be received from the vehicle controller44, the communication system86, the sensing devices74a-74nof the sensor system70, and/or from other modules not explicitly shown in the controller78. In various embodiments, the controller78includes a materials manager module88, an available materials datastore90, a storage manager module92, a storage requirements datastore93, a preparation manager module94, a recipes datastore95, a packaging manager module98, a packaging instructions datastore99, and dispensing manager module100.

The materials manager module88automatically manages the content and the amount of the ingredients and/or materials (hereinafter generally referred to generally as “materials”) stored by the storage system60. The materials manager module88manages the materials based on sensor data101received from the monitoring sensors of the sensor system70.

For example, as shown in an exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 4and with continued reference toFIG. 3, for each material at130, the materials manager module88receives data from the sensor of the sensor system70that monitor the content and/or amount of the stored materials at140. Based on the sensor data101, the materials manager module88determines a current amount102of the material at150. In various embodiments, the determined amount102can be confirmed by the materials manager module88by, for example, a comparison to an estimated amount that is based on in-vehicle materials used data103and delivery data104indicating an amount delivered to the vehicle12. When the determined amount is largely different than the estimated amount (due to sensor failures or inaccuracies in the sensor signals), then the estimated amount is used as the current amount102. The current amount102(whether it be the determined amount or the estimated amount) is stored in the available materials datastore90along with a content type105.

Thereafter, the materials manager module88determines if the current amount102is sufficient at160. For example, in various embodiments, the materials manager module88determines if the current amount102is sufficient by comparison to a predefined requirement (e.g., established by the remote system16or other coordinator of the system14). In another example, in various embodiments, the materials manager module88determines if the current amount102is sufficient by comparison to a requirement that is determined based on future need (e.g., that is computed based on upcoming delivery requests).

When the materials manager module88determines that the current amount102of the materials is not sufficient at160, the materials manager module88generates control signals106to one or more actuator devices of the actuator system68to cause a desired amount to be refilled in the primary storage from the auxiliary storage at170; and/or generates messages107that are communicated to the remote system16to coordinate delivery of additional materials to the storage system60at180. As can be appreciated, the messages107communicated to the remote system16can be sent once, after all materials have been monitored at130, or as each material is monitored (not shown). As shown, once monitoring of each the materials and/or ingredients is complete at110, the messages107are communicated at190.

With particular reference back toFIG. 2, the storage manager module92manages storage conditions associated with the storage system60. The conditions may include, but are not limited to, an ambient air temperature, a level of moisture in the air, an amount of light in the compartment, an air pressure, vibrations within the compartment, air quality, and a temperature of the food. For example, in various embodiments as shown inFIG. 5and with continued reference toFIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and 3, for each monitored condition at210, the storage manager module92receives sensor data108indicating a measured value associated with the condition of the storage system60at220. The storage manager module92processes the sensor data108to determine a current value of the condition at230. The storage manager module92then determines if the current value of the condition is adequate at240. For example, the storage manager module92retrieves from the storage requirements datastore93a threshold value109for the condition and compares the current value to the threshold value109. Based on the comparison, the storage manager module92determines whether the condition is adequate or needs adjusting. When it is determined that that the condition is not adequate (i.e., needs adjusting), the storage manager module92generates control signals110to one or more of the actuators of the actuator system68such that the condition is adjusted to a desired value. In various embodiments, the control signal110is generated based on a predetermined control value111associated with the threshold value109that is retrieved from the storage requirements datastore93or is determined by the storage manager module92based on a difference between the current value and the threshold value109. The threshold value109can be, in various embodiments, selectable based on an operation region, for example, such they take into consideration environmental conditions such as temperature, altitude, etc.

With particular reference back toFIG. 3, the preparation manager module94manages the preparation of a requested food/drink based on the available ingredients and materials as indicated by the data112in the available materials datastore90, and the timing and/or special instructions indicated by delivery request data114. For example, as shown in more detail with regard toFIG. 6and with continued reference toFIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and 3, the preparation manager module94receives the delivery request data114indicating the preparation request, the delivery timing data, and special instructions data (if provided) at310. The preparation manager module94evaluates the preparation request to determine the food or drink type115to be prepared at320. The preparation manager module94then retrieves a recipe116from the recipes datastore95that corresponds to the type of food or drink115to be prepared. The preparation manager module94then evaluates the special instructions, if provided, and selectively modifies the recipe116if needed at340. For example, if the special instructions include “extra pickles,” “no sugar”, etc., then the instruction corresponding to the “pickles” or “sugar” is modified using defined values associated with the terms “extra” (add 2) or “no” (zero).

The preparation manager module94then determines from the recipe116(modified or unmodified) the needed materials. The preparation manager module94evaluates the stored data indicating the available materials112in the available materials datastore90to determine if sufficient materials are present in the storage system60at350. If the preparation manager module94determines that sufficient materials are not available at350, messages117are generated to the remote system16to initiate a dialog with the remote system16to determine a new recipe, or to navigate the vehicle to a location to pick-up more materials, or if the request should be terminated at355. If it is communicated by the remote system16that the recipe116can be modified to be the new recipe or new materials can be picked up in time at356, then the instructions of the recipe116are modified at340(e.g., to include new ingredients, to account for a time delay for pick-up, etc.) as indicated by instructions from the remote system16and the preparation manager module94continues at350.

If, at350, sufficient materials are present, the preparation manager module94then generates control signals119according to the instructions of the recipe116. For example, for each instruction of the recipe116at260, a timing of performing the instruction is determined based on a current time, a timing indicated by the recipe116, and the delivery time at370. When the current time is the right time, the preparation manager module94generates control signals119that cause the actuator devices of the actuator system68to obtain the materials and perform the functions necessary to prepare the food or drink at380. The preparation manager module94iterates through steps360-380until all of the instructions of the recipe116have been performed at360.

Once all of the instructions of the recipe116have been performed at360, the preparation manager module94initiates quality control by requesting and receiving sensor data120from the quality monitoring sensors of the sensor system70, and processing the received sensor data120to determine an overall quality at390. If the overall quality has not been met at400, the preparation manager module94generates control signals119to cause one or more of the actuator devices of the actuator system68to cause the preparation system62to discard the prepared food or drink at410. If the number of discards does not exceed a threshold (e.g., three attempts, or other number) the preparation manager module94begins again with the preparation at350. As can be appreciated, after so many iterations (above the threshold) of discarding a prepared food or drink due to lack of quality at, a message117can be generated and communicated to the remote system16to notify the remote system16that the request cannot be completed at420.

The packaging manager module98manages the packaging of the prepared food or drink based on the available materials112as indicated by the available materials datastore90, the food or drink type115as indicated by the preparation manager module94, and predicted delivery conditions121. The predicted delivery conditions121data can include weather conditions, drop-off conditions, drop-off methods (e.g., drone, delivery window, etc.), etc. The delivery conditions121can be received from the remote system16and/or the controller system72. For example, as shown in more detail with regard toFIG. 7and with continued reference toFIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and 3, the packaging manager module98receives the delivery conditions121and the determined food or drink type115at510. The packaging manager module96evaluates the delivery conditions121and the determined food or drink type115to determine a package type to use in packaging the prepared food or drink at520. For example, if the food type is hot coffee, and the delivery conditions is raining, then the package type may be an insulated package so that the beverage remains hot and exposure to the rain.

The packaging manager module98then retrieves defined packaging instructions122from the packaging instructions datastore99that corresponds to the type of package to be used. The packaging manager module98then determines from the packaging instructions122the needed materials. The packaging manager module98evaluates the stored data indicating the available materials112in the available materials datastore90to determine if sufficient materials are present in the storage system60at540. If the packaging manager module98determines that the sufficient materials are not available at540, messages123are generated to the remote system16to initiate a dialog with the remote system16to determine new packaging instructions (or an alternate is selected from the packaging instructions datastore99without remote assistance) at550. The packaging instructions122are updated at560to either include instructions indicated by the remote system16or to include chosen alternate packaging instructions122at560.

At570, for each instruction, a timing of performing the instruction is determined based on a current time, a timing indicated by the packaging instructions, and the delivery time at580. When the current time is the right time, the packaging manager module98generates control signals124that cause the actuator devices of the actuator system68to cause the packaging system64to obtain the materials and perform the functions necessary to package the food or drink at590. The packaging manager module98iterates through steps360-380until all of the instructions122have been performed at570.

Once all of the instructions have been performed at570, the packaging manager module98may, in various embodiments, initiate quality control as discussed with regard steps390-420performed by preparation manager module94, or alternatively may assume the quality of the packaging is acceptable.

With reference back toFIG. 3, when the food or drink preparation is complete as indicated by a completion flag125the dispensing manager module100manages the dispensing of the packaged food to an individual or a location based on a delivery time indicated by the delivery request data114, the predicted delivery conditions121, and a current location126of the vehicle12. For example, as shown in more detail with regard toFIG. 8and with continued reference toFIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and 3, the dispensing manager module100receives the delivery conditions data121and the delivery time data (e.g., as indicated by the delivery request data114) at610. The dispensing manager module100further receives the current vehicle location data126, for example, from the vehicle control system at620. The dispensing manager module100determines a dispensing method based on the delivery conditions and the delivery time at630.

If the current location126is the delivery location at640, the dispensing manager module100generates control signals123to cause one or more of the actuator devices of the actuator system68to cause the dispensing system66to dispense or deliver the packaged food or drink to the user or at the location at650. Thereafter, a confirmation message may optionally be generated to the remote system16to confirm delivery of the prepared and packaged food or drink at660.