A processing system of an autonomous aerial vehicle including at least one processor may obtain mapping data describing at least a portion of a facility, navigate, via the mapping data, to a space within the facility to perform an assigned task, and collect spatial sensor data within the space. The processing system may then detect, from the spatial sensor data, at least one object within the space, define a reserved zone within the space to perform the assigned task, based upon the at least one object that is detected, and present at least one of an audible announcement or a visual announcement of the reserved zone.

A processing system of an autonomous aerial vehicle including at least one processor may obtain mapping data describing at least a portion of a facility, navigate, via the mapping data, to a space within the facility to perform an assigned task, and collect spatial sensor data within the space. The processing system may then detect, from the spatial sensor data, at least one object within the space, define a reserved zone within the space to perform the assigned task, based upon the at least one object that is detected, and present at least one of an audible announcement or a visual announcement of the reserved zone.

A load carrying assembly for carrying a load with a rotary wing aircraft. The load carrying assembly includes a cargo cable and a load engaging system. The cargo cable may have a first end that is attachable to a hoist or a cargo hook arrangement. The load engaging system may include a first attachment that is attached to the second end of the cargo cable, a second attachment that is adapted for receiving a load, a connecting apparatus that connects the first attachment with the second attachment, and at least two first and second thrust producing devices that are attached to the connecting apparatus and produce thrust in a direction that is orthogonal to the cargo cable extension.

A load carrying assembly for carrying a load with a rotary wing aircraft. The load carrying assembly includes a cargo cable and a load engaging system. The cargo cable may have a first end that is attachable to a hoist or a cargo hook arrangement. The load engaging system may include a first attachment that is attached to the second end of the cargo cable, a second attachment that is adapted for receiving a load, a connecting apparatus that connects the first attachment with the second attachment, and at least two first and second thrust producing devices that are attached to the connecting apparatus and produce thrust in a direction that is orthogonal to the cargo cable extension.

Embodiments of the present invention provide techniques, including systems and methods, for planting using planting pods. A planting system can be configured to deliver pods including a payload (e.g., seeds, cuttings, or other planting materials) into or onto the ground at a predetermined location. In some embodiments, the automated planting system can include a mapping system that receives various sensor inputs and generates a map of a planting area. A pod planting system may use the map of the planting area to deliver pods to the planting area. The pod planting system may be executed automatically using the maps generated by the mapping system and/or manually by a remote operator. Each pod can include a payload to be planted on or in the ground by the pod planting system. Pods may be customized depending on the types of plants being planted, the terrain, prior planting results, etc.

Embodiments of the present invention provide techniques, including systems and methods, for planting using planting pods. A planting system can be configured to deliver pods including a payload (e.g., seeds, cuttings, or other planting materials) into or onto the ground at a predetermined location. In some embodiments, the automated planting system can include a mapping system that receives various sensor inputs and generates a map of a planting area. A pod planting system may use the map of the planting area to deliver pods to the planting area. The pod planting system may be executed automatically using the maps generated by the mapping system and/or manually by a remote operator. Each pod can include a payload to be planted on or in the ground by the pod planting system. Pods may be customized depending on the types of plants being planted, the terrain, prior planting results, etc.

Methods and devices for monitoring transportation of one or more of travelers and cargo containers in pods that are being transported on a vehicle. The methods and devices may determine that the pods have been deployed from the vehicle. After deployment, the landing locations may be determined. Information may be ascertained about the health of the travelers within the pods and/or a condition of the cargo containers within the pods. Recovery personnel may be notified about this information to facilitate rescue.

Methods and devices for monitoring transportation of one or more of travelers and cargo containers in pods that are being transported on a vehicle. The methods and devices may determine that the pods have been deployed from the vehicle. After deployment, the landing locations may be determined. Information may be ascertained about the health of the travelers within the pods and/or a condition of the cargo containers within the pods. Recovery personnel may be notified about this information to facilitate rescue.

A hitch mount assembly for an unmanned aerial vehicle is shown and described. The hitch mount assembly may include a mount body operatively engagable with an aerial vehicle such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), where the mount body has an attachment feature to be selectively secured to the UAV and allow for selective attachment to a plurality of UAVs. A stabilizing unit attached to the mount body. The stabilizing unit may include a gimbal mounted gyro stabilization unit. A connection plate attached to the stabilizing unit. The connection plate may be attachable to various implement assemblies.

A hitch mount assembly for an unmanned aerial vehicle is shown and described. The hitch mount assembly may include a mount body operatively engagable with an aerial vehicle such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), where the mount body has an attachment feature to be selectively secured to the UAV and allow for selective attachment to a plurality of UAVs. A stabilizing unit attached to the mount body. The stabilizing unit may include a gimbal mounted gyro stabilization unit. A connection plate attached to the stabilizing unit. The connection plate may be attachable to various implement assemblies.