Various embodiments include methods for managing antennas on an aerial robotic vehicle used for wireless communications. A processor may receive position information identifying a location of the aerial robotic vehicle, determine whether to switch from using a first antenna to using a second antenna for active communications of the aerial robotic vehicle based on the position information, and switch active communications from using the first antenna to using the second antenna in response to determining that active communications of the aerial robotic vehicle should switch from using the first antenna to using the second antenna. The processor may make the determination using information from a database, which may correlate aerial robotic vehicle position to whether to use a particular one of the first and second antennas for active communications. The determination may also be based on a comparison of signal qualities obtained by both antennas.

Systems, methods, and devices for propelling self-propelled movable objects are provided. In one aspect, a rotor assembly for a self-propelled movable object comprises: a hub comprising a first fastening feature; a drive shaft comprising a second fastening feature and directly coupled to the hub by a mating connection of the first and second fastening features, wherein the drive shaft is configured to cause rotation of the hub such that the mating connection of the first and second fastening features is tightened by the rotation; and a plurality of rotor blades coupled to the hub and configured to rotate therewith to generate a propulsive force.

A method of using a bagged power generation system comprising windbags and waterbags integrated with drones and adapting drone technologies for harnessing wind and water power to produce electricity. An extremely scalable and environmentally friendly method, system, apparatus, equipment, techniques and ecosystem configured to produce renewable green energy with high productivity and efficiency.

An improved frame is disclosed for a rotary wing aircraft comprising a power frame having a power frame lower element and a power frame upper element. A curved beam extends between a first and a second end and having a lower and an upper edge. A coupling secures the lower and an upper edge of the curved beam to the power frame lower element and the power frame upper element for stabilizing the power frame to reduce flexing and vibration of the power frame.

Various embodiments include methods for operating a photovoltaic-powered drone having a photovoltaic surface on one side of at least one of wing or fuselage body of the drone. The method may include determining a flight attitude for the drone based on a first drone attitude for optimizing light energy harvesting by the photovoltaic surface and a second drone attitude for minimizing power expenditure by an onboard propulsion system of the drone to reach a designated destination. The method may include flying the drone in the determined flight attitude while converting light into electricity en route to the designated destination.

This disclosure describes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and system that may perform one or more techniques for protecting objects from damage resulting from an unintended or uncontrolled impact by a UAV. As described herein, various implementations utilize a damage avoidance system that detects a risk of damage to an object caused by an impact from a UAV that has lost control and takes steps to reduce or eliminate that risk. For example, the damage avoidance system may detect that the UAV has lost power and/or is falling at a rapid rate of descent such that, upon impact, there is a risk of damage to an object with which the UAV may collide. Upon detecting the risk of damage and prior to impact, the damage avoidance system activates a damage avoidance system having one or more protection elements that work in concert to reduce or prevent damage to the object upon impact by the UAV.

Various embodiments include methods for managing antennas on an aerial robotic vehicle used for wireless communications. A processor may receive position information identifying a location of the aerial robotic vehicle, determine whether to switch from using a first antenna to using a second antenna for active communications of the aerial robotic vehicle based on the position information, and switch active communications from using the first antenna to using the second antenna in response to determining that active communications of the aerial robotic vehicle should switch from using the first antenna to using the second antenna. The processor may make the determination using information from a database, which may correlate aerial robotic vehicle position to whether to use a particular one of the first and second antennas for active communications. The determination may also be based on a comparison of signal qualities obtained by both antennas.

A propeller-enclosed airlifting air tube apparatus contains a unique multi air-tube structure that functions as a plurality of air outtakes to produce stable lift force with one or more propellers enclosed in the apparatus. By encapsulating the propellers within the outer shells, the airlifting air tube apparatus is able to reduce potential bodily harm and property damage risks during a flight operation in a densely-populated environment or in another environment involving tight spaces. The airlifting air tube apparatus encapsulates one or more pairs of contra-rotating propellers inside a drone casing to enhance operational safety while minimizing the overall footprint of the apparatus. Furthermore, the airlifting air tube apparatus incorporates a novel airflow control dish-based flight control steering unit configured to change directions and altitudes of the apparatus by dynamically adjusting the airflow to each outtake air tube with the airflow control dish.

A propeller-enclosed airlifting air tube apparatus contains a unique multi air-tube structure that functions as a plurality of air outtakes to produce stable lift force with one or more propellers enclosed in the apparatus. By encapsulating the propellers within the outer shells, the airlifting air tube apparatus is able to reduce potential bodily harm and property damage risks during a flight operation in a densely-populated environment or in another environment involving tight spaces. The airlifting air tube apparatus encapsulates one or more pairs of contra-rotating propellers inside a drone casing to enhance operational safety while minimizing the overall footprint of the apparatus. Furthermore, the airlifting air tube apparatus incorporates a novel airflow control dish-based flight control steering unit configured to change directions and altitudes of the apparatus by dynamically adjusting the airflow to each outtake air tube with the airflow control dish.

The present specification relates generally to unmanned aerial vehicles, and specifically to a vertical take-off and lift unmanned aerial vehicle configured for high speed, long-distance flight, and vertical take-off and lift, while carrying a significant payload. The aerial vehicle includes a first propeller and a second propeller, each comprising at least two blades and each disposed on opposite lateral edges of the aerial vehicle; a tail segment forming a trailing edge of the aerial vehicle, wherein the tail segment comprises: an elevator; and a first wing and a second wing, each comprising an aileron. The aerial vehicle further includes four fins, wherein the four fins are affixed to lateral edges behind the first propeller or the second propeller and configured as endplates; a motor; and a power supply.