An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), such as a multicopter, can be equipped with unique tools for use in agricultural operations. For example, the tools can be acquisition tools that can acquire a physical sample from a growing plant, such as a crop. The tools could also acquire physical specimens from areas around the plants. In addition, the UAV could be equipped with sensors, such as imagery acquiring devices (e.g., cameras, LIDAR, time of flight sensors, etc.) to acquire even additional information. The tools can be equipped via movable arms and/or end effectors to be able to directly contact the plants and/or soil. The longevity of the flight time of the UAV can be improved by tethering, improved batteries, or other add-ons to be able to acquire more information.

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), such as a multicopter, can be equipped with unique tools for use in agricultural operations. For example, the tools can be acquisition tools that can acquire a physical sample from a growing plant, such as a crop. The tools could also acquire physical specimens from areas around the plants. In addition, the UAV could be equipped with sensors, such as imagery acquiring devices (e.g., cameras, LIDAR, time of flight sensors, etc.) to acquire even additional information. The tools can be equipped via movable arms and/or end effectors to be able to directly contact the plants and/or soil. The longevity of the flight time of the UAV can be improved by tethering, improved batteries, or other add-ons to be able to acquire more information.

Autonomous aerial vehicle technology and, more specifically, image stabilization systems for autonomous aerial vehicles is described. In some embodiments, a UAV includes a central body, an image capture assembly, and an image stabilization assembly that couples the image capture assembly to the central body. The image stabilization assembly is configured to provide structural protection and support around the image capture assembly while passively isolating the image capture assembly from vibrations and other motion of the central body while the UAV is in flight.

Autonomous aerial vehicle technology and, more specifically, image stabilization systems for autonomous aerial vehicles is described. In some embodiments, a UAV includes a central body, an image capture assembly, and an image stabilization assembly that couples the image capture assembly to the central body. The image stabilization assembly is configured to provide structural protection and support around the image capture assembly while passively isolating the image capture assembly from vibrations and other motion of the central body while the UAV is in flight.

In an embodiment a weight on wheels (WOW) system for a landing gear system includes a sensor assembly with a switch and configured to be mounted to a shock absorber, and a landing disc assembly connected to the sensor assembly, the landing disc assembly configured to contact a ground surface and to be mounted to the shock absorber, wherein the switch is configured to indicate a landing or a taking-off of an aerial vehicle from the ground surface.

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), such as a multicopter, can be equipped with unique tools for use in agricultural operations. For example, the tools can be acquisition tools that can acquire a physical sample from a growing plant, such as a crop. The tools could also acquire physical specimens from areas around the plants. In addition, the UAV could be equipped with sensors, such as imagery acquiring devices (e.g., cameras, LIDAR, time of flight sensors, etc.) to acquire even additional information. The tools can be equipped via movable arms and/or end effectors to be able to directly contact the plants and/or soil. The longevity of the flight time of the UAV can be improved by tethering, improved batteries, or other add-ons to be able to acquire more information.

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), such as a multicopter, can be equipped with unique tools for use in agricultural operations. For example, the tools can be acquisition tools that can acquire a physical sample from a growing plant, such as a crop. The tools could also acquire physical specimens from areas around the plants. In addition, the UAV could be equipped with sensors, such as imagery acquiring devices (e.g., cameras, LIDAR, time of flight sensors, etc.) to acquire even additional information. The tools can be equipped via movable arms and/or end effectors to be able to directly contact the plants and/or soil. The longevity of the flight time of the UAV can be improved by tethering, improved batteries, or other add-ons to be able to acquire more information.