By The At Least The First Computer, Systems And Methods For Assisting A Physically Handicapped Individual Obtain A Ride In An Autonomous Vehicle

The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for assisting a physically handicapped individual to obtain a ride in an autonomous vehicle. In one exemplary embodiment, a physically handicapped individual can use a helper application installed in a smartphone to initiate a request for an autonomous vehicle. Upon receiving the request, the helper application determines a first set of location coordinates of the physically handicapped individual and a second set of location coordinates of an autonomous vehicle that is available to provide the ride. The helper application may use the first set and/or the second set of location coordinates to identify a parking spot for the autonomous vehicle. The smartphone then transmits to the autonomous vehicle, a first set of instructions directing the autonomous vehicle to drive to the parking spot, and a second set of instructions to the physically handicapped individual to assist in moving to the parking spot.