Exemplary embodiments described in this disclosure are generally directed to a collaborative relationship between a UAV and an automobile. In a first exemplary method, a data capture system is provided in a UAV. The data capture system may be used to capture data when the UAV is in flight. A first computer in the UAV determines one or more limitations associated with wirelessly transmitting some or all of the data from the UAV to an automobile. The first computer may be further used to withhold wireless transmission of a portion of the data to the automobile due to the one or more limitations. The portion of data is transferred to a second computer in the automobile after landing the UAV on the automobile. In a second exemplary method, the UAV includes a communication relay system for relaying to an automobile, signals received from a satellite or a cellular base station.

A controller for delivering an item is provided. The controller includes one or more processors, one or more memory modules, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules. The controller is configured to determine a location or a traveling schedule of a first vehicle and a location of a second device, determine a zone where the first vehicle and the second device are expected to be proximate each other based on traffic information, the location or the traveling schedule of the first vehicle, and the location of the second device, instruct the first vehicle to move to the zone, and instruct the second device to transfer an item to the first vehicle in response to determining that the first vehicle and the second device are proximate each other at the zone.

The article transfer system S selects an article transfer candidate on the basis of first sensing information obtained from first sensing performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle in flight, performs a movement control of the unmanned ground vehicle on the basis of position information of the selected article transfer candidate, and determines an article transfer place with reference to the selected article transfer candidate on the basis of second sensing information obtained from second sensing performed by the unmanned ground vehicle.

An embodiment rotorcraft includes a rotor system including a plurality of blades; a control assembly operable to receive commands from a pilot; a flight control system (FCS), the flight control system operable to control flight of the rotorcraft by changing an operating condition of the rotor system; and a flight management system (FMS) in signal communication with the control assembly and the FCS. The FMS is operable to receive a target location and a plurality of approach parameters from the control assembly; generate a plurality waypoints between a current location of the rotorcraft and a missed approach point (MAP) based on the target location and the plurality of approach parameters; receive a command to engage in an approach maneuver from the control assembly; and in response to the command to engage in the approach maneuver, instruct the FCS to fly to the MAP.

An operating system for a working machine includes drones having GNSS receivers, and working machines having take-off and landing ports and is configured so that positional information on the working machines is acquired by the GNSS receivers of the drones to be placed on the take-off and landing ports.

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes one or more processors, and a memory storing instructions. When executed by the one or more processors, the instructions cause the UAV to perform operations including: recognizing a first gesture of a hand; responsive to a recognition of the first gesture, moving the unmanned aerial vehicle to hover above the hand; detecting a distance between the unmanned aerial vehicle and the hand; responsive to a determination that the distance falls in a range, monitoring the hand to recognize a second gesture of the hand; and responsive to a recognition of the second gesture, landing the unmanned aerial vehicle on the hand.

A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to collect additional location-related data. In the context of a method, for example, an entity in motion is identified and a drone is caused to accompany the entity that has been identified and to collect the location-related data while accompanying the entity. After having collected at least some location-related data, the method includes causing the drone to discontinue accompanying of the entity and to travel toward a destination.

A drone landing method and system are provided. The method includes illuminator configured to determining a position and a speed of a vehicle based on vehicle information received via wireless communication, synchronizing the speed of the drone to the speed of the vehicle and maneuvering a drone to a position above a landing point on the vehicle based on the vehicle information, and landing the drone at the landing point of the vehicle.

A vehicle is configured to couple with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and includes a landing connection component configured to form a connection between the UAV and the vehicle and to prevent detachment of the UAV from the vehicle, a cover configured to at least partially enclose the UAV when the UAV is connected to the landing connection component, and one or more processors configured to generate one or more commands to (1) vary a position of the cover depending on a status of the UAV and (2) control an operation of the UAV.

Example UAV landing systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a landing platform includes a conveyor belt capable of supporting an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The conveyor belt can move in a first direction and a second direction that is opposite the first direction. The landing platform also includes a first positioning bumper and a second positioning bumper, where the first positioning bumper and the second positioning bumper are capable of repositioning the UAV on the conveyor belt. The landing platform further includes a cradle that can receive and secure the UAV.