Patent Publication Number: US-2023132464-A1

Title: Methods and apparatus for supporting compartment inserts with interface arrangements in autonomous delivery vehicles

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/272,914, filed Oct. 28, 2021, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure relates generally to autonomous vehicles. More particularly, the disclosure relates to providing autonomous vehicles with the capability to efficiently deliver a variety of different goods. 
     BACKGROUND 
     As the use of autonomous vehicles increases, the use of autonomous vehicles for different purposes is also increasing. One example of a growing use for autonomous vehicles is the use of autonomous vehicles to provide delivery services. The use of autonomous vehicles to deliver goods to customers may improve the quality of life of the customers, as customers may engage in productive work, entertainment, and/or rest while awaiting the delivery of goods, rather than spend time running errands to procure the goods. Facilitating the efficient delivery of a variety of different goods to customers may further improve the quality of life of the customers. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a diagrammatic representation of an autonomous vehicle fleet in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    is a diagrammatic representation of a side of an autonomous vehicle in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    is a block diagram representation of an autonomous vehicle in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    is a process flow diagram which illustrates the steps associated with a method of configuring an autonomous vehicle to deliver goods in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG.  5    is a block diagram representation of an overall system which includes an autonomous vehicle and a plurality of compartment inserts that may be placed in compartments of the autonomous vehicle in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIGS.  6 A- 6 C  are diagrammatic representations of a vehicle and multiple compartment inserts which are configured to be contained in any compartment of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    is a diagrammatic representation of mechanical and physical connections between an insert interface of compartment of a vehicle and an interface arrangement of a compartment insert in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG.  8    is a process flow diagram which illustrates a method of installing a compartment insert into a compartment which includes an insert interface in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG.  9 A  is a block diagram representation of a compartment insert in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG.  9 B  is a block diagram representation of a compartment with an insert interface in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG.  9 C  is a block diagram representation of a compartment insert interfaced with an insert interface, e.g., compartment insert  950  of  FIG.  9 A  and insert interface  976  of  FIG.  9 B , in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG.  9 D  is a block diagram representation of a connector cover as well as a compartment insert interface with an insert interface e.g., compartment insert  950  of  FIG.  9 A  and insert interface  976  of  FIG.  9 B , in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG.  10    is a block diagram representation of connections associated with a compartment insert and an insert interface of a compartment in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG.  11    is a diagram depicting an installation arrangement by which a person may install a compartment insert into a compartment of a vehicle, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  12 A  is a front perspective view of a compartment insert installed into a compartment interface that is mounted to a floor of a compartment of a vehicle, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  12 B  shows a bottom perspective view of a compartment insert installed to a compartment interface, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  13 A  shows a perspective view of rail member of a compartment insert installed into a track member of a compartment interface, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  13 B  shows a side sectional view of a rail member installed into a track member, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  13 C  is an enlarged side sectional view of a rear portion of a rail member installed in a track member and further showing a blind match attachment arrangement, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  14    graphically illustrates a process of installing a compartment insert (having the structure features depicted in  FIGS.  12 A,  12 B, and  13 A -  13 C  into a compartment of a vehicle, according to an example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     General Overview 
     In one embodiment, a compartment on a vehicle such as an autonomous or semi-autonomous delivery vehicle may be provided with an interface arrangement configured to facilitate the coupling and uncoupling of compartment inserts. The interface arrangement may include mechanical, electrical, and data transmission features. Mechanical features of an interface arrangement may be configured to load, unload, and/or physically secure or hold a compartment insert in a desired position and/or orientation within a compartment, while electrical features may be configured to enable power to be provided to the compartment insert. Data transmission features may be configured to enable monitoring and control of features of the compartment insert. Different types of compartment inserts may be configured to mate with an interface arrangement, e.g., a substantially universal interface arrangement which effectively provides for interoperability of different compartment inserts, in a compartment of a vehicle. 
     Detailed Description 
     Autonomous vehicles may be used to transport wide variety of goods or articles between parties. For example, autonomous delivery vehicles may be used to deliver goods from a retailer to an end consumer or a customer. While some goods do not have specific transport requirements, other goods may have specific transport requirements. By way of example, some goods may need to be maintained within specific temperature ranges to ensure that the goods to reach a destination in a satisfactory state. Other goods may need to be securely held within a compartment to protect against damage such as breakage, e.g, breakage of fragile items, and wrinkling, e.g., wrinkling of clothing which has been dry-cleaned. 
     Compartment inserts, or modular inserts, which are arranged to be secured or otherwise contained within a compartment of an autonomous vehicle allow for the autonomous vehicle to effectively be specifically configured for a desired purpose. Compartment inserts may be devices that are added to and/or removed from an autonomous vehicle in order to essentially customize a set of capabilities possessed by that vehicle at a specific time. The compartment inserts typically interface with a designed insert interface system on the vehicle which allows for interoperability between multiple types of compartment inserts. The compartment inserts may substantially comply with a modular design template, e.g., “an insert platform.” Compartment inserts may include inserts in a range of shapes and sizes such that one or multiple inserts may be inserted into a single compartment of an autonomous vehicle. In one embodiment, compartment inserts may be independently locked to secure contents contained therein, may draw power from an autonomous vehicle, and may be communicably connected to computers onboard the vehicle in order to be operated and/or controlled remotely. 
     In one embodiment, an insert interface is configured to facilitate the efficient reconfiguration of a vehicle. Using the insert interface, compartments inserts may be swapped in and out of compartments of a vehicle relatively quickly, thereby enabling a vehicle to be efficiently configured for different purposes. An insert interface in a compartment of a vehicle may include, but is not limited to including, mechanical fasteners which facilitate the insertion and removal of compartment inserts with respect to the compartment and electrical connections which facilitate the ability for power to be provided to compartment inserts by the vehicle. Network communications may be provided with network connections to facilitate the transfer of data between the vehicle and the inserts, and/or between a customer and the inserts. Features on a compartment insert may be configured to substantially engage with corresponding features on the insert interface. 
     Autonomous vehicles which provide delivery services may generally be included in a fleet of vehicles. Referring initially to  FIG.  1   , an autonomous vehicle fleet will be described in accordance with an embodiment. An autonomous vehicle fleet  100  includes a plurality of autonomous vehicles  101 , or robot vehicles. Autonomous vehicles  101  are generally arranged to transport and/or to deliver cargo, items, and/or goods. Autonomous vehicles  101  may be fully autonomous and/or semi-autonomous vehicles. In general, each autonomous vehicle  101  may be a vehicle that is capable of travelling in a controlled manner for a period of time without intervention, e.g., without human intervention. As will be discussed in more detail below, each autonomous vehicle  101  may include a power system, a propulsion or conveyance system, a navigation module, a control system or controller, a communications system, a processor, and a sensor system. 
     Dispatching of autonomous vehicles  101  in autonomous vehicle fleet  100  may be coordinated by a fleet management module (not shown). The fleet management module may dispatch autonomous vehicles  101  for purposes of transporting, delivering, and/or retrieving goods or services in an unstructured open environment or a closed environment. 
       FIG.  2    is a diagrammatic representation of a side of an autonomous vehicle, e.g., one of autonomous vehicles  101  of  FIG.  1   , in accordance with an embodiment. Autonomous vehicle  101 , as shown, is a vehicle configured for land travel. Typically, autonomous vehicle  101  includes physical vehicle components such as a body or a chassis, as well as conveyance mechanisms, e.g., wheels. In one embodiment, autonomous vehicle  101  may be relatively narrow, e.g., approximately two to approximately five feet wide, and may have a relatively low mass and relatively low center of gravity for stability. Autonomous vehicle  101  may be arranged to have a working speed or velocity range of between approximately one and approximately forty-five miles per hour (mph), e.g., approximately twenty-five miles per hour. In some embodiments, autonomous vehicle  101  may have a substantially maximum speed or velocity in range between approximately thirty and approximately ninety mph. 
     Autonomous vehicle  101  includes a plurality of compartments  102 . Compartments  102 , or cargo spaces, may be assigned to one or more entities, such as one or more customer, retailers, and/or vendors. Compartments  102  may also be arranged to contain modules or inserts which carry the cargo, items, and/or goods. Typically, compartments  102  may be secure compartments. It should be appreciated that the number of compartments  102  may vary. That is, although two compartments  102  are shown, autonomous vehicle  101  is not limited to including two compartments  102 . 
     In one embodiment, each compartment  102  may be configured to receive one or more compartment inserts (not shown in  FIG.  2   ). Compartment inserts, which will be described in more detail below, are arranged to be inserted into compartments  102  to effectively customize the capabilities provided by autonomous vehicle  101 . For example, if autonomous vehicle  101  is used as part of a pizza delivery service, compartment inserts may be warming trays or ovens arranged to keep pizzas warn during delivery. Or, also by way of example, if autonomous vehicle  101  is used as part of a dry-cleaning delivery service, compartment inserts may include a rod on which dry cleaned clothing items on hangers may be hung. 
     By positioning compartment inserts within compartments of an autonomous vehicle, the autonomous vehicle may relatively efficiently be configured to transport and/or to deliver a particular type of good. That is, the use of various types of compartment inserts which may be inserted into a compartment of a single autonomous vehicle allows the autonomous vehicle to be readily configured to deliver a wide variety of goods. The use of compartment inserts provides the flexibility to use an autonomous delivery vehicle for a variety of different purposes. Further, the use of compartment inserts allows the space within compartments of an autonomous vehicle to be efficiently utilized. By way of example, when deliveries of small items to multiple customers is required, the ability to provide as many compartment inserts designed to contain small items as may fit within a compartment of an autonomous vehicle allows substantially all of the available space within the compartment to be used. As a result, delivery bandwidth of an autonomous vehicle may be substantially maximized. In other words, batching of deliveries enables each autonomous vehicle to carry multiple orders substantially simultaneously. 
       FIG.  3    is a block diagram representation of an autonomous vehicle, e.g., autonomous vehicle  101  of  FIG.  1   , in accordance with an embodiment. An autonomous vehicle  101  includes a processor  304 , a propulsion system  308 , a navigation system  312 , a sensor system  324 , a power system  332 , a control system  336 , and a communications system  340 . It should be appreciated that processor  304 , propulsion system  308 , navigation system  312 , sensor system  324 , power system  332 , and communications system  340  are all coupled to a chassis or body of autonomous vehicle  101 . In one embodiment, vehicle  101  may include an optional compartment control system  342 . 
     Processor  304  is arranged to send instructions to and to receive instructions from or for various components such as propulsion system  308 , navigation system  312 , sensor system  324 , power system  332 , and control system  336 . Propulsion system  308 , or a conveyance system, is arranged to cause autonomous vehicle  101  to move, e.g., drive. For example, when autonomous vehicle  101  is configured with a multi-wheeled automotive configuration as well as steering, braking systems and an engine, propulsion system  308  may be arranged to cause the engine, wheels, steering, and braking systems to cooperate to drive. In general, propulsion system  308  may be configured as a drive system with a propulsion engine, wheels, treads, wings, rotors, blowers, rockets, propellers, brakes, etc. The propulsion engine may be a gas engine, a turbine engine, an electric motor, and/or a hybrid gas and electric engine. 
     Navigation system  312  may control propulsion system  308  to navigate autonomous vehicle  101  through paths and/or within unstructured open or closed environments. Navigation system  312  may include at least one of digital maps, street view photographs, and a global positioning system (GPS) point. Maps, for example, may be utilized in cooperation with sensors included in sensor system  324  to allow navigation system  312  to cause autonomous vehicle  101  to navigate through an environment. 
     Sensor system  324  includes any sensors, as for example LiDAR, radar, ultrasonic sensors, microphones, altimeters, and/or cameras. Sensor system  324  generally includes onboard sensors which allow autonomous vehicle  101  to safely navigate, and to ascertain when there are objects near autonomous vehicle. In one embodiment, sensor system  324  may include propulsion systems sensors that monitor drive mechanism performance, drive train performance, and/or power system levels. 
     Power system  332  is arranged to provide power to autonomous vehicle  101 . Power may be provided as electrical power, gas power, or any other suitable power, e.g., solar power or battery power. In one embodiment, power system  332  may include a main power source, and an auxiliary power source that may serve to power various components of autonomous vehicle  101  and/or to generally provide power to autonomous vehicle  101  when the main power source does not include sufficient power. It should be appreciated that power system  332  is arranged to provide power to compartments, e.g., compartments  102  of  FIG.  2   , or cargo bays such that compartment inserts within the compartments may be powered. 
     Communications system  340  allows autonomous vehicle  101  to communicate, as for example, wirelessly, with a fleet management system (not shown) that allows autonomous vehicle  101  to be controlled remotely. Communications system  340  generally obtains or receives data, stores the data, and transmits or provides the data to a fleet management system and/or to autonomous vehicles  101  within a fleet  100 . The data may include, but is not limited to including, information relating to scheduled requests or orders, information relating to on-demand requests or orders, and/or information relating to a need for autonomous vehicle  101  to reposition itself, e.g., in response to an anticipated demand. 
     Optional compartment control system  342  may be arranged to communicate with compartments  102  of autonomous vehicle  101 , and/or with compartment inserts contained substantially within compartments  102 . Such communications may be wireless and or wired communications, e.g., Ethernet communications. Compartment control system  342  may enable compartments  102  and/or compartment inserts to be configured, as for example by causing temperatures within compartments  102  and/or compartment inserts to be set. In one embodiment, compartment control system  342  may control access to, e.g., the opening and/or closing of doors on, compartments  102  and/or compartment inserts, through compartment control system  342 , compartments  102  and/or compartment inserts may provide information relating to the compartment inserts. The information provided by compartments  102  and/or compartment inserts may include, but is not limited to including, a type of a compartment insert, a unique identifier (ID) associated with the compartment insert, a condition of the compartment insert, and/or conditions within the compartment insert. 
     Compartment inserts may be swapped into and out of compartments of autonomous vehicles, in one embodiment, in response to requests from parties that intend to utilize the autonomous vehicles to transport goods. In other words, an autonomous vehicle may be configured based upon the goods that the autonomous vehicle is to transport. Referring next to  FIG.  4   , the steps associated with a method of configuring an autonomous vehicle to deliver goods in accordance with an embodiment. A method  405  begins at a step  419  in which instructions are obtained regarding how an autonomous vehicle is to be configured. Instructions may be obtained, in one embodiment, by a management module of a fleet management system arranged to manage the autonomous vehicle and other autonomous vehicles. The management module is generally arranged to coordinate the deployment of autonomous vehicles, to assign tasks to the autonomous vehicles, and to monitor the location of each of the autonomous vehicles. The instructions regarding how the autonomous vehicle is to be configured may be associated with an indication of what type of goods the autonomous vehicle is to transport. In one embodiment, the instructions may be received from a retailer that has goods to transport. 
     From step  419 , process flow proceeds to a step  423  in which it is determined whether compartment inserts, if any, that are currently in the autonomous vehicle are to be removed, added, or changed based on the instructions. If the determination in step  423  is that compartment inserts are not to be removed, added, or changed, the implication is that the current configuration of the autonomous vehicle is suitable to accommodate the goods the autonomous vehicle is to transport. Accordingly, process flow moves from step  423  to a step  435  in which goods are located into the compartment of the autonomous vehicle and/or any compartment inserts situated in the compartment, and the autonomous vehicle transports the goods. The method of configuring the autonomous vehicle to transport goods is completed upon the transport of the goods. 
     Alternatively, if it is determined in step  423  that at least one compartment insert in a compartment of the autonomous vehicle is to be removed, added, or changed, the management module communicates instructions in step  427  which indicate the desired compartment configuration of the autonomous vehicle. The instructions may be communicated using any suitable medium, and to any suitable recipient. For example, instructions may be communicated from the management module to a computing device that allows for the removal and addition of compartments inserts to be automated. In one embodiment, the instructions may be communicated from the management module to a computing device that may be accessed by an individual responsible for coordinating the removal, addition, and changing of compartment modules. 
     In a step  431 , the autonomous vehicle is configured in accordance with the instructions. The autonomous vehicle may be configured by removing and/or adding compartment inserts such that a desired compartment configuration is effectively achieved. In one embodiment, as will be discussed in more detail below, the removing and/or adding of compartment inserts may be facilitated by the use of a substantially universal interface. Once the autonomous vehicle is configured with the desired compartment configurations, goods are loaded into the compartment and/or compartment inserts in step  435 . The goods loaded into the compartment and/or compartment inserts are transported by the autonomous vehicle, and the method of configuring the autonomous vehicle to transport goods is completed. 
     As previously mentioned, compartment inserts which may be used to configure a compartment or a cargo space of an autonomous vehicle may vary widely. With reference to  FIG.  5   , examples of compartment inserts which may be installed or otherwise placed in a compartment of an autonomous delivery vehicle will be described in accordance with an embodiment. In general, autonomous vehicle  101  may include at least one compartment  102 . As shown, autonomous vehicle  101  includes two compartments  102 . It should be appreciated, however, that autonomous vehicle  101  may generally include fewer than or more than two compartments  102 . 
     Each compartment  102  is arranged to accommodate one or more compartment inserts  550 . Compartment inserts  550  which may be installed in compartments  102  may vary widely in size, shape, and functionality. In general, compartment inserts  550  include a mechanical or physical structure that is configured to contain items and/or to provide a service. Compartment inserts  550  may also be formed from any suitable material, e.g., a thermal insulating material. Compartment inserts  550  may be arranged to draw power from autonomous vehicle  101 , e.g., from a power port (not shown) in compartment  102 , and may include physical structures such as fasteners that are arranged to allow compartment inserts  550  to be coupled to features within compartment  102  for stability. For example, compartment inserts  550  may be configured to be temporarily mounted to a floor (not shown) of compartment  102 . Fasteners, or other features, which allow compartment inserts  550  to effectively be coupled to corresponding features in compartments  102  may include fasteners that enable compartment inserts  550  to be removably coupled to compartments  102  such that compartments inserts  550  may be securely held within compartments  102 , while being relatively easy to remove from and insert in compartment  102 . The disposition of such fasteners and features enhances the modularity of compartment inserts  550  by allowing compartments inserts  550  to be relatively quick to swap in and out of compartments  102 . In one embodiment, compartments  102  may include tracks or guides that features on compartment inserts  550  may slide in and out of such that what while compartment inserts  550  are positioned in compartments  102 , such tracks or guides cooperate with the features on compartment inserts  550  to effectively hold compartment inserts  550  in place. 
     Each compartment insert  550  may have a body, and may include a securable, e.g., lockable, door that is arranged to be unlocked only by an individual, or for an individual, who is authorized to access the contents of compartment insert  550 . It should be appreciated that contents of compartment insert  550  may be contained in an interior space of compartment insert  550 , e.g., a space that is defined by or within the body. Such a lockable door may be transparent, or may include a transparent feature, which allows contents of compartment insert  550  to be viewed. In some embodiments, two or more compartment inserts  550  may be arranged to be coupled to each other for additional stability. It should be appreciated that each compartment insert  550  may be substantially divided into one or more sections, each of which may include a separate securable door or covering. 
     Compartment inserts  550  may include a compartment insert  550   a  that is a pizza heating oven that is arranged to keep a pizza contained within compartment insert  550   a  warm while the pizza is transported by autonomous vehicle  101 . Compartment insert  550   a  may include at least one heating element, e.g., a heating coil, which allows a pizza within compartment insert  550   a  to be kept warm. Compartment insert  550   a  may have a body that includes walls which define a space within the body that is heated by at least one heating element. The heating element is provided within compartment insert  550   a , and may be powered using power provided by autonomous vehicle  101 . Compartment insert  550   a  may also include a rack or a shelf on which a pizza, e.g., a pizza packaged within a pizza delivery box, may be placed. In one embodiment, compartment insert  550   a  may include a red color marking and/or a warning label that provides an indication that the contents of compartment insert  550   a  are hot. 
     Some compartments inserts  550  may provide cooling capabilities. For example, a compartment insert  550   b  may be a freezer insert and a compartment insert  550   c  may be a refrigerator insert. Compartment insert  550   b  may be maintained at a temperature which is sufficient to allow contents to remain in a frozen state, while compartment insert  550   c  may be maintained at a temperature which is sufficient to allow contents to remain cool. Compartment inserts  550   b ,  550   c  may include compressors, pipes, and refrigerant gases that are provided with power from autonomous vehicle  101  . In one embodiment, compartment insert  550   b  and compartment insert  550   c  may include blue color markings and/or warning labels that provide indications that the contents of compartment insert  550   b  are frozen and that the contents of compartment insert  550   c  are cool or cold. 
     Compartment inserts  550  may be specialized and configured to provide the experience of being at a store or a kiosk. For example, a compartment insert  550   d  may be an ice cream station and a compartment insert  550   e  may be a coffee station. Compartment insert  550   d  may include freezer capabilities such that ice cream or other frozen desserts may be kept frozen. Compartment insert  550   d  may include an ice cream dispenser and other features, e.g., a toppings tray or an ice cream cone dispenser, such that autonomous vehicle may have substantially the same functionality as an ice cream truck. Compartment insert  550   e  may include a coffee maker, a water reservoir arranged to supply water to the coffee maker, and other features, e.g., a cup dispenser and a milk dispenser, which effectively enable compartment insert  550   e  to serve as a coffee station. 
     Compartment inserts  550  may include a compartment insert  550   f  that supports a dry-cleaning delivery service, e.g., by providing a rod which extends substantially horizontally between side walls of compartment insert  550   f . Compartment insert  550   f  may include a rod on which dry cleaned clothing, which is typically presented on a hanger, may be hung, 
     In one embodiment, compartment inserts  550  may include a compartment insert  550   g  which is configured with shelves on which items may be stored and/or displayed. For example, compartment insert  550   g  may include shelves such that grab-and-go sandwiches may be displayed on the shelves. Compartment insert  550   g  may be arranged to provide cooling capabilities such that displayed items may remain cooled during transport. Alternatively, compartment insert  550   g  may be arranged to provide heating capabilities such that displayed items may remain heated during transport. 
     Compartment inserts  550  may also generally include a compartment insert  550   f  which serves as a locker. Compartment insert  550   h  may be configured as a substantially empty box, or may be configured to include shelves, hooks, pouches, and/or other mechanisms arranged to support goods within compartment insert  550   h . As is the case for other compartment inserts  550 , compartment insert  550   h  may be lockable. In one embodiment, compartment insert  550   h  may include multiple lockers that may be individually locked, e.g., compartment insert  550   h  may include two or more subcompartments which may be substantially independently locked and/or controlled. 
     Some compartment inserts  550  may be arranged to facilitate the use of other compartment inserts  550 . For example, a compartment insert  550   i  may be a power distributor. In one embodiment, compartment insert  550   i  may be arranged to obtain power from autonomous vehicle  101 , and may include power ports that other compartment inserts  550  may plug into, e.g., when compartment  102  does not include enough power ports to support compartment inserts  550  contained within compartment  102 . Compartment insert  550   i  may instead, in some instances, include power ports that are powered by a battery included in compartment insert  550   i . 
     Compartment inserts  550  may also include a compartment insert  550   j  that includes a speaker. Compartment insert  550   j  may be arranged to broadcast information or entertainment, for example, to customers or other individuals who are located in an environment around autonomous vehicle  101 . For instance, compartment insert  550   j   may broadcast an alert that autonomous vehicle is arriving at a location, or may broadcast an alert that autonomous vehicle is about to depart a current location. 
     In the described embodiment, compartment inserts  550  may include a compartment insert  550   k  that is configured to provide protection from weather conditions. For example, compartment insert  550   k  may be arranged to enable an awning or an umbrella to be deployed such that a user of vehicle  101  may be protected from rain by the awning or the umbrella. Compartment insert  550   k  may generally include a covering and a deployment mechanism. The covering may be configured to shield a user and/or goods within compartments  102  upon deployment. 
     Compartment inserts  550  may include grocery insert  5501  that is configured to provide a board on which grocery items, e.g., cans and boxes, may be positioned or, in one embodiment, effectively displayed. Grocery insert  5501  may include raised areas and/or grooves which facilitate the positioning of grocery items on or within grocery insert  5501 . Grocery insert  5501  may include an onboard power source, and/or may include power ports. 
     To facilitate the configuration and reconfiguration of a vehicle such as vehicle  101 , compartments of the vehicle may each include an interface which is substantially universal, e.g., configured to support a variety of different compartment inserts. That is, compartments of a vehicle may be provided with insert or coupling interfaces which enable compartment inserts to be readily positioned in and removed from the compartments. Such insert or coupling interfaces may include mechanical fastening arrangements arranged to effectively lock compartment inserts into place, power connections arranged to provide power to compartment inserts, and/or network connections arranged to provide network connectivity to compartment inserts. The compartment inserts may be configured to connect to, or to otherwise interface with, the insert or coupling interfaces. 
       FIGS.  6 A- 6 C  are diagrammatic representations of a vehicle and multiple compartment inserts which are configured to be contained in substantially any compartment of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment. As shown in  FIG.  6 A , vehicle  601  includes at least a first compartment  602   a  and a second compartment  602   b . Multiple compartment inserts  650   a ,  650   n  may be arranged to be installed in compartments  602   a ,  602   b . In one embodiment, compartment inserts  650   a ,  650   n  have different functionalities or capabilities. 
     First compartment  602   a  and second compartment  602   b  each include an insert or coupling interface  676 . Typically, insert interfaces  676  are positioned on surfaces of compartments  602   a ,  602   b . Insert interface  676 , which will be discussed in more detail below with respect to  FIG.  7   , is configured to enable compartment inserts  650   a ,  650   n  to be physically installed in compartments  602   a ,  602   b  and, in some embodiments, enables compartment inserts  650   a ,  650   n  to communicate with vehicle  601 . 
     First compartment insert  650   a  and nth compartment insert  650   n  each include an interface arrangement  674  that is configured to be physically coupled to insert interface  676 . Interface arrangement  674 , which will be discussed in more detail below with respect to  FIG.  7   , is configured to effectively mate with insert interface  676 . Typically, compartment inserts  650   a ,  650   n  have external surfaces, e.g., external surfaces of bodies or shells of compartment inserts  650   a ,  650   n , on which interface arrangements  674  are at least partially supported. 
     Because compartments  602   a ,  602   b  each include insert interface  676  which is arranged to mate with, or to otherwise interface with or connect to, interface arrangement  674  of compartment inserts  650   a ,  650   n , compartment inserts  650   a ,  650   n  may be readily installed in either compartment  602   a ,  602   b . While insert interface  676  may generally be positioned substantially anywhere within compartments  602   a ,  602   b , insert interface  676  is typically positioned on a floor of compartments  602   a ,  602   b . As shown in  FIG.  6 B , first compartment insert  650   a  may be installed in first compartment  602   a , and nth compartment insert  650   n  may be installed in second compartment  602   b . Interface arrangement  674  of first compartment insert  650   a  is coupled to insert interface  676  of first compartment  602   a , and interface arrangement  674  of second compartment insert  650   n  is coupled to insert interface  676  of second compartment  602   b . 
     As interface arrangement  674  is substantially the same in compartment inserts  650   a ,  650   n , and insert interface  676  is substantially the same in compartments  602   a ,  602   b , compartment insert  650   a  may instead be installed in second compartment  602   b , and compartment insert  650   n  may instead be installed in first compartment  602   a , as shown in  FIG.  6 C . Interface arrangement  674  of first compartment insert  650   a  is coupled to insert interface  676  of second compartment  602   b , and interface arrangement  674  of first compartment insert  650   a  is coupled to insert interface  676  of second compartment  602   b   
     Interface arrangement  674  and insert interface  676  may be configured to include a variety of different coupling mechanisms and/or interfaces, and generally cooperate to provide connections between compartment inserts  650   a ,  650   n  and compartments  602   a ,  602   b .  FIG.  7    is a diagrammatic representation of connections included in insert interface  676  and included in interface arrangement  674  accordance with an embodiment. 
     In one embodiment, insert interface  676  includes a mechanical coupling  776   a , a power/electrical port  776   b , a communications port  776   c , and an installation detection interface  776   d , while interface arrangement  674  includes an optional mechanical coupling  774   a , an optional power/electrical coupling  774   b , an optional communications coupling  774   c , and an optional installation detection coupling  774   d . It should be appreciated that interface arrangement  674  generally includes at least one coupling  774   a - d . In one embodiment, interface arrangement  674  includes mechanical coupling  774   a , power/electrical coupling  774   b , communications coupling  774   c , and installation detection coupling  774   d . Interface arrangement  674  and insert interface  676  may be arranged to be physically coupled together. 
     Mechanical coupling  776   a  is configured to couple to optional mechanical coupling  774   a  to for a substantially physical, or mechanical connection. In one embodiment, mechanical coupling  776   a  may be a mechanical fastener that is configured to engage mechanical coupling  774   a  to securely hold a compartment insert within a compartment of a vehicle. In another embodiment, mechanical coupling  774   a  may be an exterior of a compartment insert and arranged to engage mechanical coupling  776   a , which may be a feature within a compartment. 
     Power/electrical port  776   b  is configured to provide power to an optional power/electrical coupling  774   b . It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, such as embodiments in which a compartment insert includes a dedicated power source such as a battery or does not need power, power/electrical coupling  774   b  may either not be part of a compartment insert or may be embodied as a ground connection. Through power/electrical coupling  774   b , power may be obtained via power/electrical port  776   b . 
     Communications port  776   c  may be any suitable port that supports communications, as for example Ethernet communications. Optional communications coupling  774   c  may enable communications signals to be sent and received by a compartment insert. For example, through a connection between communications port  776   c  and communications coupling  774   c , a vehicle may control a compartment insert and the compartment insert may provide status updates to the vehicle. In one embodiment, communications coupling  774   c  may be utilized to enable a compartment insert to communicate with a customer. 
     Installation detection interface  776   d  is configured to detect when a compartment insert has been installed in a compartment. Optional installation detection coupling  774   d , which may include an electrical pin, may come into contact with installation detection interface  776   d  to effectively signal that a compartment insert has been installed. When installation detection coupling  774   d  engages with installation detection interface  776   d , a compartment control system of a vehicle may determine that an installation of a compartment insert has occurred, and may effectively initiate a determination of whether the compartment insert is smart, as described above. In one embodiment, installation detection coupling  774   d  may be an electrical pin, and installation detection interface  776   d  may include a socket, e.g., an electrical socket, which is configured to receive the electrical pin. 
     In one embodiment, when interface arrangement  674  does not include substantially all couplings  774   a - d , couplings  774   a - d  that are effectively not live or not in use may be grounded or otherwise connected to ground. When interface arrangement  674  has a particular footprint, or configuration of couplings  774   a - d , false couplings or otherwise non-functional couplings may be included in interface arrangement  674  as a physical substitute for couplings  774   a - d  which are not included. 
       FIG.  8    is a process flow diagram which illustrates a method of installing a compartment insert into a compartment of a vehicle which includes an insert interface in accordance with an embodiment. A method  805  of installing a compartment insert into a compartment which includes an insert interface begins at a step  809  in which a compartment insert is obtained and guided into position within a compartment using one or more insert tracks included in an insert interface of the compartment. An insert track, e.g., a guide rail, may be recessed in a floor of the compartment, and may receive a feature of a compartment insert such as a foot or a wheel to effectively facilitate the alignment or positioning of the compartment insert within the compartment. It should be appreciated that while one or more insert tracks may be used to facilitate the installation of a compartment insert, other mechanisms may be used in addition to or in lieu of using insert tracks. 
     Once the compartment insert is guided, e.g., slid or rolled, into position within the compartment, the compartment insert may be mechanically or physically coupled to the insert interface using one or more blind mate attachments in a step  813 . That is, the compartment insert is effectively coupled with, e.g., latched to, one or more features in the compartment using only the compartment insert and the insert interface of the compartment. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the use of a blind mate attachment, e.g., connector, may support a connection action that causes physical mating substantially using only the components which are to be mated. The connection action may generally involve sliding a feature of the compartment insert into a feature of the insert interface and/or snapping a feature of the compartment insert into a feature of the insert interface. In addition, guiding the compartment insert into position within the compartment is not limited to being slid into position. By way of example, guiding the compartment insert may alternatively, or additionally, include tilting, wedging, dropping, raising, and/or other suitable motions that may effectively guide the compartment insert into and within a compartment. To achieve guiding, motion may be provided by, but is not limited to being provided by, tools, actuators, and/or external installation systems. 
     From step  813 , process flow proceeds to an optional step  817  in which the compartment insert is electrically coupled to the insert interface using one or more electrical connectors. An electrical connector of the insert interface is recessed into a floor of a compartment, and may be secured with respect to the floor of the compartment. An electrical connector of the compartment insert may effectively be mated with the electrical connector of the insert interface. The location of the electrical connector of the insert interface may be arranged to facilitate connecting the insert interface and the compartment insert. Similarly, the location of the electrical connector of the compartment insert may be such that an electrical connection between the compartment insert and the insert interface may be readily accomplished. In one embodiment, the electrical connector may be embodied as a harness that facilitates a connection between the compartment insert and power, e.g., DC power. 
     In an optional step  821 , the compartment insert is communicably coupled to the insert interface using one or more network, e.g., Ethernet, connectors. The location of network connectors on a compartment insert and/or an insert interface may be selected to facilitate the network connection between the compartment insert and the insert interface. In one embodiment, a network interface may be included as part of an electrical connector. In such an embodiment, electrically coupling the compartment insert to the insert interface may also effectively communicably coupled the insert interface to the insert interface. 
     The compartment insert is mechanically coupled to the insert interface in a step  825  using supplemental or additional insert attachments. By way of example, the insert attachments may be features which are arranged to be screwed and/or bolted into the insert interface. The insert attachments may effectively cooperate with the blind mate attachments to relatively securely engage the compartment insert to the insert interface. In one embodiment, the blind mate attachments may be located towards the back of the compartment and the insert attachments may be located towards the front of the compartment. The insert attachments, which may be located on the compartment insert, may enable the compartment insert to be fastened to the insert interface. Such insert attachments may provide additional structural security with respect to maintaining the compartment insert in a desired position within the compartment. 
     After the supplemental or additional insert attachments are used to mechanically couple the compartment insert to the insert interface, a connector cover is installed in a step  829 . A connector cover may be installed to effectively cover the additional insert attachments and/or any electrical or network connectors. By covering the additional insert attachments and/or any electrical or network connectors, customers retrieving items from or loading items into a compartment may be substantially prevented from tampering with and accessing the additional insert attachments and/or electrical or network connectors. In one embodiment, fasteners used to secure the connector cover in place may be configured such that the fasteners are relatively difficult to disengage, as for example without the use of specialized tools that a customer may not have access to. Upon installing the connector cover, the method of installing a compartment insert into a compartment which includes an insert interface is completed. 
     With respect to  FIGS.  9 A- 9 D , components associated with an overall platform which enables compartment inserts to be loaded into compartments with insert interfaces as discussed with respect to  FIG.  8    will be described.  FIG.  9 A  is a block diagram representation of a compartment insert in accordance with an embodiment. A compartment insert  950 , which is arranged to be loaded into a compartment of a vehicle and may generally be configured to carry goods and/or to provide services, includes an alignment feature  980   a , a blind mate attachment or connector component  980   b , a supplemental or additional insert attachment  980   c , an optional electrical connector component  980   d , and an optional network connector component  980   e . 
     Alignment feature  980   a , which may be a foot or other protrusion on compartment insert  950 , is generally arranged to facilitate the positioning of compartment insert  950  within a compartment. Blind mate attachment or connector component  980   b  may be a component that is arranged to engage a blind mate attachment component of an insert interface of a compartment such that compartment insert  950  may essentially be held in a desired position when loaded into the compartment. In one embodiment, blind mate attachment component  980   b  may be positioned towards a back end of compartment insert  950 . Insert attachment  980   c  is a portion of compartment insert  950  that is configured to be attached or fastened to an insert interface. Insert attachment  980   c  may be a mechanical attachment that provides additional physical coupling of compartment insert  950  within a compartment, e.g., additional physical coupling with respect to blind mate attachment component  980   b . Optional electrical connector component  980   d  and optional network connector component  980   e  are configured to enable compartment insert  950  to draw power and to enable compartment insert  950  to engage in network communications, respectively. 
       FIG.  9 B  is a block diagram representation of a compartment with an insert interface in accordance with an embodiment. A compartment  902  may generally be a compartment onboard a vehicle such as an autonomous vehicle. Compartment  902  includes an insert interface  976  which is configured to engage a compartment insert, e.g., compartment insert  950  of  FIG.  9 A , as will be discussed below with reference to  FIG.  9 C . In one embodiment, insert interface  976  may be recessed within a floor of compartment  902 . 
     Insert interface  976  includes a track  982   a , a blind mate attachment component  982   b , an insert attachment  982   c , an optional electrical connector component  982   d , and an optional network connector component  982   e . Track  982   a  is configured to enable a compartment insert such as compartment insert  950  of  FIG.  9 A  to be guided within compartment  902  into a position that enables blind mate attachment component  982   b  to engage blind mate attachment component  980   b  of compartment insert  950 . Insert attachment  982   c  is configured to enable a compartment insert such as compartment insert  950  of  FIG.  9 A  to be further attached or physically engaged with compartment  902 . Optional electrical connector component  980   d  and optional network connector component  980   e  are configured to enable compartment  902  to provide power and to engage in communications such as network communications with a compartment insert such as compartment insert  950  of  FIG.  9 A , respectively. 
       FIG.  9 C  is a block diagram representation of compartment insert  950  of  FIG.  9 A  interfacing with insert interface  976  of  FIG.  9 B  in accordance with an embodiment. When compartment insert  950  is inserted within compartment  902 , features of compartment insert  950  effectively engage with corresponding features of insert interface  976 . 
     Alignment feature  980   a  may be positioned within track  982   a  and moved within track  982   a  until alignment feature  980   a  is at a location which effectively enables blind mate attachment component  980   b  to engage with blind mate attachment component  982   b . In one embodiment, blind mate attachment components  980   b ,  982   b  may engage when blind mate attachment component  980   b  effectively latches into blind mate attachment component  982   b . The engagement of blind mate attachment components  980   b ,  982   b  effectively holds compartment insert  950  in a substantially desired position within compartment  902 . 
     Insert attachment  980   c  and insert attachment  982   c  may be engaged to further secure compartment insert  950  within compartment  902 . Insert attachment  980   c   may be a mechanical structure or feature which may be connected to insert attachment  982   c . By way of example, insert attachment  980   c  may be plate with an opening, and insert attachment  982   c  may include a receptacle that may be substantially coupled to insert attachment  980   c  using a fastener such as a screw or a bolt. 
     Optional electrical connector components  980   d ,  982   d  may engage with each other such that electricity and/or power may be provided to electrical connector component  980   d  by compartment  902 , or by a vehicle on which compartment  902  is carried, Optional network connector components  980   e ,  982   e  may engage with each other such that data may be exchanged between compartment insert  950  and compartment  902 , or by a vehicle on which compartment  902  is carried. 
     As shown in  FIG.  9 D , in one embodiment, a connector cover  984  may effectively be coupled to both compartment insert  950  and compartment  902 . Connector cover  984  may be arranged such that, when coupled to compartment insert  950  and compartment  902 , insert attachments  980   c ,  982   c  as well as optional electrical connector components  980   d ,  982   d  and optional network connector components  980   e ,  982   e , are effectively covered. That is, connector cover  984  may be arranged to substantially prevent tampering with respect to insert attachment  980   c , insert attachment  982   c , optional electrical connector component  980   d , optional electrical connector component  982   d , optional network connector component  980   e , and optional network connector component  982   e . 
       FIG.  10    is a block diagram representation of connections associated with a compartment insert and an insert interface of a compartment tin accordance with an embodiment. A compartment insert  1050 , which may be arranged to carry goods, is configured to interface with an insert interface  1076  in a compartment  1002  of a vehicle includes an alignment feature  1080   a  and a first connector component  1080   b . Compartment insert  1050  also includes an optional second connector component  1080   c , an optional electrical connector component  1080   d , and an optional network connector component  1080   e . Insert interface  1076  is configured to engage compartment insert  1050 , and includes an alignment arrangement  1082   a , a first connector component  1082   b , an optional second connector component  1082   c , an optional electrical connector component  1082   d , and an optional network connector component  1082   e . 
     Alignment feature  1080   a  is generally configured to cooperate with alignment arrangement  1082   a  to enable compartment insert  1050  to be positioned within compartment  1002  in a desired position and/or orientation. By way of example, alignment feature  1080   a  may be guided by alignment arrangement  1082   a  to place compartment insert  1050  into a desired position and/or orientation. 
     First connector component  1080   b  cooperates with first connector component  1082   b  to effectively engage compartment insert  1050  within compartment  1002  when compartment insert  1050  is in a desired position and/or orientation. First connector component  1080   b  and first connector component  1082   b  may essentially be configured to mate or to otherwise connect. In one embodiment, first connector component  1082   b  may be substantially universal, or otherwise arranged to engage different types of first connector components  1080   b . By way of example, first connector component  1080   b  may differ depending upon the configuration of compartment insert  1050 , and first connector component  1082   b  may be substantially universal and be configured to engage any suitable first connector component  1080   b . It should be appreciated that first connector components  1080   b ,  1082   b  may, in some configurations, additionally provide electrical and/or network connections. 
     Optional second connector components  1080   c ,  1082   d  are configured to engage to provide additional mechanical stability for compartment insert  1050  when compartment insert  1050  is inserted within compartment  1002 . Optional electrical connector components  1080   d ,  1082   d  are configured to engage to provide an electrical connection that substantially enables compartment  1002  to provide power to compartment insert  1050 . Optional network connector components  1080   e ,  1082   e  are configured to engage to provide a network connection that substantially enables compartment  1002  to provide compartment insert  1050  with communications capabilities, e.g., to enable compartment insert  1050  to substantially communicate with the vehicle in which compartment  1002  is located and/or to enable compartment insert  1050  to communicate on a network such as a cellular network or a 3G/4G/5G network. That is, optional network connector components  1080   e ,  1082   e  enable data transmission with respect to compartment insert  1050 . 
     A connector cover  1084  may be arranged such that, when coupled to compartment insert  1050  and compartment  1002 , second connector components  1080   c ,  1082   c  as well as optional electrical connector components  1080   d ,  1082   d  and optional network connector components  1080   e ,  1082   e , are effectively covered and, hence, protected. Connector cover  1084  may be coupled to or otherwise attached to compartment insert  1050  and compartment  1002  either substantially directly or through the use of one or more additional mechanisms, e.g., at least one screw and/or bolt. 
     Optional second connector component  1080   c , optional electrical connector component  1080   d , and optional network connector component  1080   e  may be, in one embodiment, part of a single connector mounted on or integrated int compartment insert  1050 . Similarly, optional second connector component  1082   c , optional electrical connector component  1082   d , and optional network connector component  1082   e  may also be part of a single connector on insert interface  1076 . It should be appreciated that insert interface may generally include optional second connector component  1082   c , optional electrical connector component  1082   d , and optional network connector component  1082   e  such that insert interface  1076  may interface with substantially any suitable compartment insert  1050  when whether compartment insert  1050  includes any of, or none of, optional second connector component  1080   c , optional electrical connector component  1080   d , and/or optional network connector component  1080   e . 
     Although only a few embodiments have been described in this disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosure may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present disclosure. By way of example, although power has been described as being provided to compartment inserts which utilize power by an autonomous vehicle, each compartment insert may instead have an onboard power source. That is, a compartment insert may be arranged to provide its own power such that the compartment insert is not provided with power from an autonomous vehicle. In one embodiment, a compartment insert may include a battery that is arranged to provide power for the compartment insert. In another embodiment, a compartment insert may be powered by a battery, with backup power provided by an autonomous vehicle if the battery runs out of power. 
     While a compartment of a vehicle has generally been described as including a communications connection, a power connection, a mechanical coupling, and an installation detection interface, it should be appreciated that a compartment of a vehicle may include other connections, couplings, and/or interfaces. For example, a compartment may include an exhaust port that allows exhaust from a compartment insert to be removed from the compartment, and/or a drainage port that enables fluids generated by a compartment insert to be drained out of the compartment. Such an exhaust port may be part of an interface arrangement such as an insert or compartment interface. 
     In one embodiment, a base plate or an adapter plate may be provided as an intermediate interface between a compartment insert and an insert interface of a compartment. By way of example, when two or more compartment inserts are to be inserted into a single compartment on a vehicle, a base plate or an adapter plate may be configured to enable mechanical, electrical, and/or communications connections to effectively be made between the compartment inserts and the insert interface of the compartment. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG.  11   .  FIG.  11    illustrates an installation arrangement  1100  by which a person may install a compartment insert into a compartment of a vehicle, according to an example embodiment. The installation arrangement  1100  includes a lift table cart  1110  on which a compartment insert  1120  (potentially containing various items) may rest prior to being loaded, by an installer person  1122 , into a vehicle via a ramp  1130  or other suitable device. The vehicle is shown at reference numeral  1140  and includes a vehicle body  1142 , a compartment  1144  and a vehicle compartment interface  1146 . 
     As shown at  1150 , the compartment insert  1120  may initially sit on the lift table cart  1110  that can be moved into position near the portion of the vehicle  1140  that provides access to the compartment  1144 . The lift table cart  1110  may have a height that is tall enough so that there is a downward slope of the ramp  1130  from the lift table cart  1110  to the floor of the compartment  1144 . Then, the installer person  1122  can slide the compartment insert  1120 , as shown by arrow  1152 , off the lift table cart  1110  along the ramp  1130  downward into the compartment  1144  where the compartment insert  1120  engages the vehicle compartment interface  1146  and rests inside the compartment  1144 , as shown at  1154 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  12 A and  12 B , mechanisms and structures to facilitate the secure removable installation of a compartment insert into a compartment is now described, according to an example embodiment.  FIG.  12 A  is a front perspective view of a compartment insert  1200  installed into a compartment interface  1210  that is mounted to a floor of a compartment of a vehicle.  FIG.  12 B  shows a bottom perspective view of the compartment insert  1200  installed to the compartment interface  1210 . There is a frame structure that includes first and second track members  1220 A and  1220 B, spaced from each other, and onto which a floor panel of a vehicle compartment (not shown in  FIGS.  12 A and  12 B ) is mounted. The compartment interface  1210  may further include one or more cross-members  1225 . The compartment insert  1200  includes first and second rail members  1230 A and  1230 B that mate with channels in the first and second track members  1220 A and  1220 B, respectively. 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  13 A -  13 C , the track members 1220A/1220B and rail members 1230A/1230B will be described in more detail.  FIG.  13 A  shows a perspective view of rail member  1230 A installed into track member  1220 A, as an example.  FIG.  13 B  shows a side sectional view of the rail member  1230 A installed into track member  1220 A.  FIG.  13 C  is an enlarged side sectional view of a rear portion of the rail member  1230 A installed in the track member  1220 A. 
     The track member  1220 A has a front end  1222  and a rear end  1224 , and includes a channel  1240  that has different depths along portions of its length. Specifically, the channel  1240  has a first sloped surface  1242  that extends to a first length portion  1244  of a first depth and a second sloped surface  1246  that extends to a second length portion  1248  that has a second depth. The track member  1220 A further includes flat surface  1250  at the front end  1222  that includes a hole or slot (drop-in gap)  1252 . At the rear end of the track member  1220 A there is a latch clamp member  1254 . 
     The rail member  1230 A comprises an elongated body that includes a front end  1256 , a rear end  1258 , a front foot  1260  and a rear foot  1262 . The front foot  1260  is configured to drop into the slot or hole  1252  of the track member  1220 A. The front foot  1260  may be sized so as to float (not make contact with the bottom of the track member  1220 A). The rear foot  1262  is configured to rest on the bottom of the channel  1240  in the second length portion  1248 . The rail member  1230 A further includes a latch clamp member  1264  that is configured to releasably engage with the latch clamp member  1254  of the track member  1220 A. When the latch clamp member  1264  of the rail member  1230 A is engaged with the latch clamp member  1254  of the track member  1220 A, the rail member  1230 A is secured within the track member  1220 A, such that with a pair of mating track members and rail members, as depicted in  FIGS.  12 A and  12 B , the compartment insert  1200  can be releasably secured into a compartment of a vehicle. 
     As best shown in  FIG.  13 C , the latch clamp member  1254  and the latch clamp member  1264  may have a generally “C” shape such that a mating surface  1255  of latch clamp member  1254  engages on top of a mating surface  1265  of latch clamp member  1264 . The engagement between the latch clamp member  1254  and the latch clamp member  1264  may be facilitated by friction force, a lip on one or both of the mating surfaces  1255  and  1265  of latch clamp members  1254  and  1264 , respectively, an inherent compressible nature of the material used for the latch clamp members  1254  and  1264 , such as a sheet metal, etc. 
     At the front end  1256  of the rail member  1230 A is a front mount member  1266 . The front mount member  1266  may comprise a rounded extension to the front end  1256  of the rail member  1230 A, and includes a hole through which a screw or bolt may be inserted that also passes through a surface of a foot of the track member  1220 A. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG.  14   .  FIG.  14    graphically illustrates a process  1400  of installing the compartment insert  1200  (having the structural features depicted in  FIGS.  12 A,  12 B, and  13 A -  13 C ) into a compartment  1405  of a vehicle. At the stage  1410 , the compartment insert  1200  has been moved and aligned so that the front foot  1260  and the rear foot  1262  of the rail members  1230 A and  1230 B are resting on the track members  1220 A and  1220 B, respectively. The detailed structures of the rail members  1230 A/ 1230 B and track members  1220 A/ 1220 B are not shown in  FIG.  14   , for simplicity. 
     At stage  1420 , the compartment insert  1200  has been moved further onto the track members  1230 A/ 1230 B. Eventually, as the compartment insert  1200  is moved further, the rear foot  1262  of the rail members  1230 A and  1230 B eventually slides into position at the rear of the track members  1220 A and  1220 B and the latch clamp members  1254  and  1264  are in place to begin engagement. As the front foot  1260  drops into the hole or slot  1252 , mating contact is made between the mating surfaces  1255  and  1265  of latch clamp members  1254  and  1264 , respectively. This is shown at stage  1430 . The rear foot  1262  is sized such that the front mount member  1266  is suspended above the complementary mating surface of track member  1220 A/ 1220 B. From here, a screw is torqued down through the hole in front mount member  1266  into track member  1220 A/ 1220 B, mating them together. This applies a preload to the latch clamp mating surfaces  1255  and  1265 , where rear foot  1262  acts as a fulcrum. The significance of this is that the latch clamp member  1254  on track members  1220 A/ 1220 B can exert a large downward force to secure the compartment insert  1120  but does not require the installer person  1122  ( FIG.  11   ) to exert a large force to overcome the sliding friction that would otherwise result from directly sliding mating surfaces  1255  and  1265  over each other. Dropping the front foot  1260  through the slot  1252  enables the latch clamp member  1264  to pivot about the rear foot  1262  and engage latch clamp member  1254  with minimal friction. 
     An insert interface in a compartment has generally been described as being formed on at least one surface of the compartment. For instance, an insert interface may be substantially integrally formed on a floor surface of a compartment. In one embodiment, an interface insert may be an adapter plate that may be positioned in a compartment of a vehicle in order to substantially adapt the compartment to receive and to substantially engage compartment inserts. When the insert interface is an adapter plate, the adapter plate may include, but is not limited to including, a power connection which enables the adapter plate to draw power from the vehicle and/or mechanical connections which are configured to enable the adapter plate to be held in a desired position within the compartment. 
     When no specific compartment insert is to be inserted within a compartment of a vehicle, in order to substantially prevent components of an insert interface from being exposed, a plate may be inserted in lieu of a compartment insert. Such a plate may effectively engage with a blind mate attachment and/or an additional inset attachment of the insert interface, and a connector cover may be used in conjunction with the plate to essentially restrict access to the additional insert attachment, an electrical connector component, and/or a network connector component. In one embodiment, a particular compartment insert may be a substantially default compartment insert when no specific compartment insert is requested. For example, a grocery insert may be a default compartment insert that is provided in a compartment absent any specific request for a different compartment insert. 
     An autonomous vehicle has generally been described as a land vehicle, or a vehicle that is arranged to be propelled or conveyed on land. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, an autonomous vehicle may be configured for water travel, hover travel, and or/air travel without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The embodiments may be implemented as hardware, firmware, and/or software logic embodied in a tangible, i.e., non-transitory, medium that, when executed, is operable to perform the various methods and processes described above. That is, the logic may be embodied as physical arrangements, modules, or components. For example, the systems of an autonomous vehicle, as described above with respect to  FIG.  3   , may include hardware, firmware, and/or software embodied on a tangible medium. A tangible medium may be substantially any computer-readable medium that is capable of storing logic or computer program code which may be executed, e.g., by a processor or an overall computing system, to perform methods and functions associated with the embodiments. Such computer-readable mediums may include, but are not limited to including, physical storage and/or memory devices. Executable logic may include, but is not limited to including, code devices, computer program code, and/or executable computer commands or instructions. 
     It should be appreciated that a computer-readable medium, or a machine-readable medium, may include transitory embodiments and/or non-transitory embodiments, e.g., signals or signals embodied in carrier waves. That is, a computer-readable medium may be associated with non-transitory tangible media and transitory propagating signals. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an apparatus including: a compartment of a vehicle, the compartment including insert interface having at least one track and a compartment blind mate attachment component; and a compartment insert having at least one alignment feature configured to slide into the at least one track and a compartment insert blind mate attachment component configured to mate with the compartment blind mate attachment component to removably secure the compartment insert in the compartment of the vehicle. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an apparatus, further including a frame structure that includes first and second track members spaced apart from each other onto which a floor panel of the compartment is mounted, wherein the at least one alignment feature of the compartment insert includes first and second rail members spaced apart from each other and configured to slide into the first and second track members, respectively. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an apparatus, wherein the at least one alignment feature of the compartment insert includes a front foot member and a rear foot member on each of the first and second rail members spaced apart from each other along each of the first and second rail members. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an apparatus, wherein: each of the first and second track members includes a front end and a rear end, a channel between the front end and rear end, and a slot being positioned in each of the first and second track members towards the front end, wherein the channel includes first and second length portions, the second length portion positioned toward the rear end and being deeper than the first length portion for each of the first and second track members; and wherein when the compartment insert is installed in the compartment the rear foot member of each of the first and second rail members is configured to rest on a bottom surface of the channel in the second length portion and the front foot member is configured drop into the slot. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an apparatus, wherein the channel of each of the first and second track members has a sloping section that extends downward to the second length portion to facilitate insertion of the compartment insert into the compartment. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an apparatus, wherein the compartment blind mate attachment component and the compartment insert blind mate attachment component each includes a latch clamp that are mounted so as to releasably engage with other. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an apparatus, wherein: as the front foot member drops into the slot, the latch clamps of the compartment and the component insert, respectively, are configured to make contact with each other. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an apparatus, wherein each of the first and second rail members includes a front mount that is configured to be secured to a front mount of the first and second track members, respectively. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an apparatus, wherein the rear foot member is sized such that a front mount of the first and second rail members is suspended above complementary mating surfaces of the front mount of the first and second track members, respectively, and configured to permit a screw to be torqued down through a hole in front mount of the first and second rail members into the first and second track members, which in turn applies a preload to mating surfaces of the latch clamps of the compartment and the compartment insert, respectively, and the rear foot member acts as a fulcrum such that when the front foot member drops through the slot, the latch clamp of the compartment insert pivots about the rear foot member and engages the latch clamp of the compartment with minimal friction. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a compartment insert including: a body sized and shaped to removably install within a compartment of a vehicle; at least one alignment feature configured to slide into at least one track of the compartment of the vehicle; and a blind mate attachment component configured to mate with a blind mate attachment component of the compartment to removably secure the compartment insert in the compartment of the vehicle. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a compartment insert, wherein the at least one alignment feature includes first and second rails spaced apart from each other and configured to slide into first and second tracks, respectively, of the compartment. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a compartment insert, further including a front foot and a rear foot positioned on each of the first and second rails spaced apart from each other. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a compartment insert, wherein the first and second tracks each includes a channel having first and second length portions, the second length portion positioned toward a rear end of the first and second tracks and being deeper than the first length portion, and the channel having a sloping section that extends downward to the second length portion. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a compartment insert, further including latch clamps at a rear end of the first and second rails, and configured to mate with latch clamps at the rear end of the first and second tracks, respectively, and wherein when the compartment insert is installed in the compartment, the rear foot of each of the first and second rails is configured to rest on a bottom surface of a channel in the first and second tracks and the front foot is configured drop into a slot of the channel in the first and second tracks, and as the front foot drops into the slot, the latch clamps of the first and second rails are configured to make contact with the latch clamps of the first and second tracks, respectively. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a compartment insert, each of the first and second rails includes a front mount that is configured to be secured to a front mount of the first and second tracks, respectively. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a compartment insert, wherein the rear foot is sized such that the front mount of the first and second rails is suspended above complementary mating surfaces of the front mount of the first and second tracks, respectively, and configured to permit a screw to be torqued down through a hole in front mount of the first and second rails into the first and second tracks, which in turn applies a preload to mating surfaces of the latch clamps of the first and second rails and first and second tracks, respectively, and the rear foot acts as a fulcrum such that when the front foot drops through the slot, the latch clamp of the first and second rails pivots about the rear foot and engages the latch clamp of the compartment with minimal friction. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a compartment insert, further including an electrical connector component configured to connect to an electrical connector component of the compartment. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method including: guiding a compartment insert into one or more track members of an insert interface of a compartment of a vehicle; and mechanically coupling the compartment insert to the insert interface of the compartment using one or more blind mate attachment members. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein guiding include aligning one or more rail members of the compartment insert to slide into the one or more track members of the compartment. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein mechanically coupling includes engaging a blind mate attachment component of the compartment insert on the one or more rail members with a blind mate attachment component on the one or more track members of the insert interface of the compartment. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein guiding includes inserting at least one foot on the one or more rail members into the one or more track members. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein guiding includes directing the at least one foot along a channel of the one or more track members that slopes downwardly for at least one length section towards a rear end of the one or more track members. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including: electrically coupling the compartment insert to the insert interface of the compartment using one or more electrical connectors. Methods and Apparatus for Supporting Compartment Inserts with Interface Arrangements in Autonomous Delivery Vehicles 
     The steps associated with the methods of the present disclosure may vary widely. Steps may be added, removed, altered, combined, and reordered without departing from the spirit of the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present examples are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the examples are not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims.