A system comprising a vehicle comprising a memory component, a navigation control module (NCM) and a vehicle control module (VCM) , the VCM comprising a controller, wherein: the vehicle is configured to operate in one of a plurality of vehicle states, including a manual operation mode in which the VCM facilitates operator initiated control of the vehicle, an automatic operation mode in which the vehicle is automatically controlled by the NCM, an initialization mode, and a standby mode; the memory component stores functional modes of operation and control modes of operation, wherein: each of the control modes of operation is associated with a mechanism for controlling a parameter of the vehicle selected from speed, torque and position, and each of the functional modes of operation is associated with a desired function of the vehicle; in the manual operation mode, the VCM is configured to receive control commands from a system operator and implement the control commands, utilizing the controller; and in the automatic operation mode, the NCM is configured to receive an automatic command for implementing automatic operation of the vehicle and send a signal to the VCM that identifies a control operation, wherein the control operation relates to a type of functional mode of operation and a type of control mode of operation; at least one of the control modes of operation is configured for automatic control of the vehicle; characterized in that : the at least one of the control modes of operation is a torque control mode in the automatic operation mode such that the NCM provides a power signal directly to a vehicle motor, without utilization of the VCM controller. the vehicle is configured to operate in one of a plurality of vehicle states, including a manual operation mode in which the VCM facilitates operator initiated control of the vehicle, an automatic operation mode in which the vehicle is automatically controlled by the NCM, an initialization mode, and a standby mode; the memory component stores functional modes of operation and control modes of operation, wherein: each of the control modes of operation is associated with a mechanism for controlling a parameter of the vehicle selected from speed, torque and position, and each of the functional modes of operation is associated with a desired function of the vehicle; each of the control modes of operation is associated with a mechanism for controlling a parameter of the vehicle selected from speed, torque and position, and each of the functional modes of operation is associated with a desired function of the vehicle; in the manual operation mode, the VCM is configured to receive control commands from a system operator and implement the control commands, utilizing the controller; and in the automatic operation mode, the NCM is configured to receive an automatic command for implementing automatic operation of the vehicle and send a signal to the VCM that identifies a control operation, wherein the control operation relates to a type of functional mode of operation and a type of control mode of operation; at least one of the control modes of operation is configured for automatic control of the vehicle; <EOS>