An imaging system can include a first and second camera configured to capture first and second sets of oblique images along first and second scan paths, respectively, on an object area. A drive is coupled to a scanning mirror structure, having at least one mirror surface, and configured to rotate the structure about a scan axis based on a scan angle. The first and second cameras each have an optical axis set at an oblique angle to the scan axis and include a respective lens to focus first and second imaging beams reflected from the mirror surface to an image sensor located in each of the cameras. The first and second imaging beams captured by their respective cameras can vary according to the scan angle. Each of the image sensors captures respective sets of oblique images by sampling the imaging beams at first and second values of the scan angle.

The present disclosure is directed to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprising a convertible body operably coupled to at least one sensor, and further configured to rotate at least about a longitudinal axis, thereby providing a full field of regard for the at least one sensor, and a plurality of arms extending laterally from the convertible body, each arm of the plurality of arms having a rotor assembly coupled thereto.

A shield system for an unmanned arial vehicle (AUV) is provided. The shield system includes inner shield members rigidly mounted to at least the rotor arms of the AUV and outer shield members shock mounted to the inner shield members. The shield system defines opening for sensors, payload or mechanical portions of the UAV.

Systems and methods related to operating a mobile platform are disclosed. In one embodiment, a logic circuit of a mobile platform may control a first gimbal system of the mobile platform to selectively direct a first variable navigation imaging system of the mobile platform to a first fixation point in an environment. The logic circuit may control a second gimbal system of the mobile platform to selectively direct a second variable navigation imaging system of the mobile platform to a second fixation point in the environment. The logic circuit may navigate the mobile platform about the environment, via a propulsion system of the mobile platform, based on image data associated with the first and second fixation points received from the first and second variable navigation imaging systems, respectively.

A gimbal configured to be implemented in an unmanned aerial system. The gimbal includes a payload interface; an end effector; a structure that includes composite skins, an internal structure, and integrated seals; integrated drive components; and at least one computer, where excess heat generated by the at least one computer is disposed of through a heat transfer surface integrated into the composite skin of the gimbal.

A camera payload configured for attachment to an unmanned aerial system with a payload interface. The camera payload includes a payload interface that includes a configuration that is structured and arranged to provide tool-free mechanical retention, electrical connections for power, and electrical connections for data; at least one camera mounted in the camera payload; at least one composite skin and at least one internal structure; at least one sealable and removable camera window retained on an outside of the camera payload; and at least one computer arranged within the camera payload.

The present disclosure relates to a system for generating a digital map of an environment. The system comprises at least one sensor which is configured to record sensor data and a position of an object within the environment together with a time-stamp of recording the sensor data. Further, the system comprises a data processing circuitry configured to determine a time-dependent presence probability distribution of the object based on the sensor data. The presence probability distribution is indicative of a probability of the object being at its position before, after and/or at a time of the time-stamp. The data processing circuitry is further configured to register the presence probability distribution of the object in the digital map of an environment of the object.

The present disclosure relates to a system for generating a digital map of an environment. The system comprises at least one sensor which is configured to record sensor data and a position of an object within the environment together with a time-stamp of recording the sensor data. Further, the system comprises a data processing circuitry configured to determine a time-dependent presence probability distribution of the object based on the sensor data. The presence probability distribution is indicative of a probability of the object being at its position before, after and/or at a time of the time-stamp. The data processing circuitry is further configured to register the presence probability distribution of the object in the digital map of an environment of the object.

Provided herein are systems and methods for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to skid and roll along an environmental surface. A rollable UAV includes an airframe assembly, a propulsion system, and a logic device configured to communicate with the propulsion system. The airframe assembly includes a cylindrical rolling guard configured to allow the UAV to roll along an environmental surface in contact with the cylindrical rolling guard. The logic device is configured to determine a rolling orientation for the UAV corresponding to the environmental surface, maneuver the UAV to place the cylindrical rolling guard of the airframe assembly in contact with the environmental surface, and roll the airframe assembly of the UAV along the environmental surface at approximately the determined rolling orientation while the cylindrical rolling guard is in contact with the environmental surface.

Provided herein are systems and methods for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to skid and roll along an environmental surface. A rollable UAV includes an airframe assembly, a propulsion system, and a logic device configured to communicate with the propulsion system. The airframe assembly includes a cylindrical rolling guard configured to allow the UAV to roll along an environmental surface in contact with the cylindrical rolling guard. The logic device is configured to determine a rolling orientation for the UAV corresponding to the environmental surface, maneuver the UAV to place the cylindrical rolling guard of the airframe assembly in contact with the environmental surface, and roll the airframe assembly of the UAV along the environmental surface at approximately the determined rolling orientation while the cylindrical rolling guard is in contact with the environmental surface.