VEHICLE DEPLOYABLE CONTROL FOR AUTOMATED VEHICLES

An apparatus for operation of an autonomous vehicle is disclosed. A deployment mechanism is coupled to a convertible interface. The convertible interface includes a rod having a first end and a second end, a touch-sensitive surface connected to the rod at the first end, and a universal joint connected to the rod at the second end, wherein the rod is configured to rotate about the universal joint. The deployment mechanism is configured to move the convertible interface between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the touch-sensitive surface receives a command when an operator moves a pointing device along the touch-sensitive surface in a gesture that indicates the command. In the second position, the convertible interface receives the command when the operator moves the touch-sensitive surface to cause a rotation at the universal joint that indicates the command.