This invention proposes a method which enables one to combine several autonomous areal vehicles into a larger areal vehicle.

In particular, the proposed method enables arranging areal vehicles in a joint formation whereby a number of winged sections is joined horizontally and the flapping of the wings between the sections is coordinated in such a manner as to increase the lift-to-drag ratio. Changing the angle between the sections during the flight is done to increase the maneuverability of the vehicle.

Provided is a flight control apparatus including a pair of sensors that are spaced apart in a vertical direction on a surface of a flying object which uses motive power of a power source powered by a battery to fly and that detect a physical quantity corresponding to a state of an airflow, and a control unit that controls a flight state of the flying object on the basis of a difference between outputs of the pair of sensors.

Provided is a flight control apparatus including a pair of sensors that are spaced apart in a vertical direction on a surface of a flying object which uses motive power of a power source powered by a battery to fly and that detect a physical quantity corresponding to a state of an airflow, and a control unit that controls a flight state of the flying object on the basis of a difference between outputs of the pair of sensors.

A system for detecting a particular occupancy status of multiple parking positions of a parking facility, which includes a parking occupancy sensor for detecting an occupancy status of a parking position, a displacement device for displacing the parking occupancy sensor along the parking positions, so that, due to a displacement of the parking occupancy sensor along the parking positions, the parking occupancy sensor is able to detect the particular occupancy status of the parking positions. A corresponding method, a corresponding parking facility for vehicles and a computer program are also described.

A device comprising a thin film solar cell with an integrated flexible antenna, such as a meander line antenna, is disclosed. In an embodiment, the device comprises a substrate and an array of solar cells disposed on the substrate, wherein the array of solar cells are interconnected by metal conductors that carry DC power from the solar cells and which form at least part of the flexible antenna. In their capacity as an antenna, the metal conductors operate cooperatively with the solar cells to radiate an RF signal, receive an RF signal, or both radiate and receive an RF signal. The device optionally comprises a choke disposed on the substrate and electrically coupled to the array of solar cells, wherein the choke operates to impede conduction of the RF signal. A method of making the disclosed device is also disclosed.

Robotic wings for an aerial drone include a plurality of armwing structures, each comprising a plurality of rigid members connected together by flexible living hinges in a single monolithic structure. Wing membranes are supported by the armwing structures. A drive mechanism is connected to the armwing structures for articulating the armwing structures. A motor is connected to the drive mechanism for actuating the drive mechanism to move the armwing structures through a series of wingbeats wherein the armwing structures expand in a downstroke and retract in an upstroke to move the wing membranes in a flapping motion.

Robotic wings for an aerial drone include a plurality of armwing structures, each comprising a plurality of rigid members connected together by flexible living hinges in a single monolithic structure. Wing membranes are supported by the armwing structures. A drive mechanism is connected to the armwing structures for articulating the armwing structures. A motor is connected to the drive mechanism for actuating the drive mechanism to move the armwing structures through a series of wingbeats wherein the armwing structures expand in a downstroke and retract in an upstroke to move the wing membranes in a flapping motion.

A robotic eagle and bird-like robot empowered by generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) is disclosed, capable of autonomously performing essential tasks such as airport safety and forest fire monitoring. The robotic eagle's lifelike design includes a head, multiple eyes, wings, legs, claws, and a tail, all meticulously crafted to mimic the appearance and flight capabilities of a real bird. The trained AI model functions as the brain, processing detailed environmental data captured by video cameras, audio microphones, and flight sensors to provide guidance commands that control the flying motions. Ensuring continuous operation, the robotic eagle features a wireless battery charging system, allowing it to recharge autonomously in remote locations using solar and wind energy. This technology, made possible by Gen-AI, heralds a new era in environmental monitoring and safety, delivering unprecedented performance and reliability.

A robotic eagle and bird-like robot empowered by generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) is disclosed, capable of autonomously performing essential tasks such as airport safety and forest fire monitoring. The robotic eagle's lifelike design includes a head, multiple eyes, wings, legs, claws, and a tail, all meticulously crafted to mimic the appearance and flight capabilities of a real bird. The trained AI model functions as the brain, processing detailed environmental data captured by video cameras, audio microphones, and flight sensors to provide guidance commands that control the flying motions. Ensuring continuous operation, the robotic eagle features a wireless battery charging system, allowing it to recharge autonomously in remote locations using solar and wind energy. This technology, made possible by Gen-AI, heralds a new era in environmental monitoring and safety, delivering unprecedented performance and reliability.

This invention relates to insect-like robots empowered by generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI), specifically designed to address critical challenges in agriculture and environmental monitoring. The robotic bee, mantis, and dragonfly can autonomously perform essential tasks such as crop pollination, pest control, and detailed farmland inspection. These robots feature lifelike designs with components such as heads with integrated high-resolution cameras, antennae for communication, specialized mouthparts, thoraxes housing CPUs and actuators, and wings with thin-film photovoltaic solar materials. The AI models function as the brains, processing data captured by various sensors to provide real-time guidance and control commands. Leveraging advanced technologies and sustainable power sources, these robotic insect-like robots enhance productivity, sustainability, and efficiency in agricultural practices, contributing to a more secure and eco-friendly future.