An angle-adjusting sub-assembly (6) that is part of or attached to an unmanned aerial vehicle and apparatus (1), for the targeted distribution of hazardous chemicals onto vegetation, and is comprised of: adjustable arms (7), rotary system, which adjusts the length and angle of the adjustable arms while the aerial vehicle and apparatus are airborne. An unmanned aerial vehicle and apparatus, for the targeted distribution of hazardous chemicals onto vegetation, is comprised of: the angle-adjusting sub-assembly (6), a spray assembly, a flying platform, a storage tank (2) containing pesticide, bactericide, herbicide, fungicide, or any hazardous chemical that can be sprayed on vegetation, a supporting structure (4), and a landing sub-assembly. Using of the above device decreases the runoff of toxic chemical waste to the environment, increases chemical application efficiency, and allows for the precise targeting of pests on crops.

A method for acquiring agricultural data using a UAV is provided. In several embodiments, the method includes receiving data associated with a data collection point located within a field and controlling an operation of the UAV such that the UAV is flown over the field and lands in the field at the data collection point. In such an embodiment, the method includes capturing field condition data associated with the field using a sensing device supported by the UAV. The field condition data is captured by the sensing device while the UAV is maintained in a landed condition at the data collection point.

Systems and methods for operating UAVs relative to a field includes a UAV are provided. In several embodiments, UAV includes a body, a controller supported on the body, and at least one support element coupled to and extending from the body. In several embodiments, the at least one support element is configured to support the body relative to a support surface of the field when the UAV is in a landed condition on the field. In several embodiments, at least one anchoring device is provided in operative association with the UAV and configured to penetrate through the support surface of the field to anchor the UAV relative to the field when the UAV is in the landed condition.

An unmanned aerial system (UAS) may execute a mission planned by a UAS traffic management (UTM) system. The UAS may receive a mission planning response message from the UTM that includes a mission route for the UAS to navigate and a configuration of one or more trigger events. The mission route may be made up of a sequence of waypoints in an airspace. Each of the waypoints may be configured with a dynamic path conforming profile (PCP) a dynamic required navigation performance (RNP) value. The UAS may monitor at least the RNP value in one or more time intervals to determine if a trigger event occurs. The UAS may transmit a path conformance status report to the UTM upon determining that a trigger event of the one or more trigger events occurred. The path conformance status report may indicate conformance to one or more parameters specified in the PCP.

An end to end integrated technology solution available to increase overall crop yield and a communication platform to connect growers with the marketplace and an infrastructure for agriculture management, logistics, storage, distribution and delivery. Offering a global solution to this problem that provides a consolidated and integrated IoT (Internet of Things) system where data collection, monitoring, control and communication platform are managed using a single platform. An agricultural IoT monitoring device based on wireless mesh network sensing, where this device can monitor the temperature, humidity, vibration and other parameters of an agricultural cultivation base. The device is designed with a microcontroller, a sensing unit, WiFi module, LoRa communication network where it uses WiFi Mesh Network or LoRaWAN to capture real-time data for remote viewing and analyzing intelligence data for preventive actions. This single IoT system platform is providing solution for agriculture and various applications.

The present invention provides a simple method and apparatus capable of accurately measuring the water depth of a field, in particular, the whole field.

SOLUTION: An ultrasonic transmitter/receiver and a drone equipped with an infrared transmitter/receiver or a microwave transmitter/receiver are allowed to fly over the field, and the distance between the ultrasonic wave surface reflection and the microwave or infrared ground reflection. Measure the water depth just below the drone from the difference in measurement. By flying the drone all over the field, the water depth of the entire field can be accurately measured. The measurement is preferably performed only while the drone is flying at a predetermined speed or higher.

A method of determining soil condition for possible treatment. The method comprises taking a soil sample at a predetermined location with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Sensing at least one characteristic of the soil with a sensor. Storing a value representative of the at least one characteristic and the predetermined location in a database. Determining if the value is within an acceptable range, and taking a corrective action to adjust the valve within the acceptable range.

An aircraft that can fly stably when water is discharged from a hose installed on the airframe, and an aircraft system, are provided. The aircraft system can include a master aircraft, slave aircrafts and a remote control device. The aircraft preferably fly as a unit. Each slave aircraft can include four rotary blade portions having propellers, and a suspending means for suspending a part of a hose. The master aircraft may include four first rotary blade portions having first propellers arranged to rotate in a horizontal plane, four second rotary blade portions having second propellers arranged to rotate in a vertical plane, and a nozzle on which a tip end part of the hose is installed. The direction of the center axis of the nozzle is parallel to the direction of the rotational axes of the second propellers.

A system for autonomous crop monitoring includes a mobile platform configured to autonomously propel the system to a plurality of locations in a field of the crop and an imaging device. A leaf bending mechanism is configured to bend leaves of a crop plant in the field when an image of the crop plant is being acquired by the imaging device.

An apparatus and kit for assembling a mobile platform and methods for making and using the same. When associated with a mobile platform, a power device can be installed outside a control device coupled with the mobile platform. The power device can be located outside a housing enclosing the mobile platform and exposed to an external operating environment of the mobile platform. Heat generated by the power device can be dissipated without installation of additional cooling equipment. The power device and the control device can thus have lower operating temperatures and longer lifetimes. The power device can be installed on a module associated with the mobile platform for further improving heat dissipation of the power device. The module optionally can function as a shock absorber for preventing damage to the power device in case the mobile platform is involved in a crash.