A device for the automated vertical take-off, vertical landing, and/or handling of an aerial vehicle with the aid of a robot, the device including a first connection module and a second connection module, each including a capture and/or release section that is active in a capture and/or release phase and a guide section that is active in a guide phase, and the first connection module and the second connection module being lockable in a holding position. An aerial vehicle capable of automatedly vertically taking off, vertically landing, or being handled with the aid of a robot, the aerial vehicle including a first connection module or a second connection module of such a device. An end effector for a robot for the automated vertical take-off, vertical landing, and/or handling of an aerial vehicle, the end effector including a second connection module or a first connection module of such a device.

An electronic device is provided, including a device shell and a flight photographing device. The device shell is provided with an opening and an inner cavity. The opening communicates with the inner cavity. The flight photographing device is movably arranged on the device shell. The flight photographing device is capable of extending out of the device shell through the opening or retracting into the device shell. In a case that the flight photographing device is located outside the device shell, the flight photographing device is separable from the device shell.

A drone delivery system hub and method for sending for take-off and receiving for landing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The drone delivery system hub includes a center shaft frame, a parcel-conveying system supported by the center shaft frame, structural arms coupled to and extending outward from the center shaft frame in a spoke-like configuration, drone-conveying systems each supported by one of the structural arms, and a linking conveyor span. The drone-conveying system conveys the UAVs along a length of a correspond one of the structural arms toward and away from the center shaft frame. The linking conveyor span selectably rotates to different orientations between different pairs of the structural arms, selectively conveying a UAV thereon between any two of the structural arms. The linking conveyor span is located above the parcel-conveying system such for the UAV thereon to deposit and retrieve parcels from the parcel-conveying system.

Systems and methods include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.

A system comprises a drone having autonomous drive capability and an assist vehicle (AV) for transporting the drone in an assisted drive mode in which the drone is held at, and transported by, the assist vehicle. Control hardware and software are programmed to determine drone travel over a route having a first route section in which the drone travels autonomously and a second route section in which the drone travels in the assisted drive mode.

A transport vehicle and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a head (1), a control assembly arranged in the head (1) used for controlling the movement state of the transport vehicle. The carrying plate (2) is connected to the head (1) to form an open carriage space so as to accommodate container (3). The container (3) is provided on the carrying plate (2) and at least comprises a base plate (31) and an opening (32). The base plate (31) is provided with an overturning assembly (4), the overturning assembly (4) is rotatably connected to the base plate (31) and is used for driving the piece to be transported to rotate from a first predetermined position around the side direction of the base plate (31) until the piece to be transported is arranged at a second predetermined position through the opening (32).

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for autonomously performing and/or facilitating drone diagnostic functions. Prior to a mission of a UAV, an inspection station comprising at least one imaging sensor and at least one directional force sensor may be used to perform a plurality of air worthiness inspections and/or maintenance checks with little to no human intervention. Once the UAV has been determined to be air worthy, it is approved for a subsequent mission.

Systems and methods related to landing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are provided. In one example, a method includes receiving a UAV on a surface of a landing platform. The method may further include operating a positioning device disposed under the surface to locate the UAV. The method may further include operating the positioning device to move the UAV to a location and/or an orientation on the surface. The UAV may comprise landing gear having a plurality of legs, where each leg comprises a shock absorption system. The method may further include operating the shock absorption system during the receiving operation to reduce force received at stress areas of the UAV, and after the receiving operation, operating the shock absorption system to dampen movement by the UAV. Related devices and systems are also provided.

A drone box landing system includes features for increasing drone docking capacity and positioning drones on the landing pad area. Some embodiments include a dual platform configuration which rotates one platform out of the way for another platform. In some applications, one drone may land on a first platform, be secured into place by an automatic positioning system, and the platform flipped over to reveal a second platform ready to receive a second drone. The positioning system is configured to make contact with a landed drone and guide the drone to a docking position in the landing pad area.

A base station is disclosed for use with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The base station includes: an enclosure; a cradle that is configured to charge a power source of the UAV during docking with the base station; and a temperature control system that is connected to the cradle and which is configured to vary temperature of the power source of the UAV. The temperature control system includes: a thermoelectric conditioner (TEC); a first air circuit that is thermally connected to the TEC and which is configured to regulate temperature of the TEC; and a second air circuit that is thermally connected to the TEC such that the TEC is located between the first air circuit and the second air circuit. The second air circuit is configured to direct air across the cradle to thereby heat or cool the power source of the UAV when docked with the base station.