A method of controlling a flying object 1 including a generator 5, which includes solar cells, and an energy storage apparatus 7 is configured such in a case where, during flying of the flying object 1, a voltage of an energy storage device 6 in the energy storage apparatus 7 reaches a lower limit voltage of a voltage range in which charge and discharge of electricity can be reversibly repeated, the flying object 1 is made to keep flying and/or descend while making the energy storage device 6 discharge electricity within a voltage range lower than the lower limit voltage.

A solar-powered fire tower structure has an array of solar panels positioned to provide power to the tower, one or more cameras to receive power from the solar panels, and a communications link to provide communication from the fire tower. A fire-retardant projectile has a casing of having a standardized size, a payload of a fire-retardant material, and a firing mechanism to propel the projectile out of a barrel.

A solar-powered fire tower structure has an array of solar panels positioned to provide power to the tower, one or more cameras to receive power from the solar panels, and a communications link to provide communication from the fire tower. A fire-retardant projectile has a casing of having a standardized size, a payload of a fire-retardant material, and a firing mechanism to propel the projectile out of a barrel.

The present technology is directed to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) a wing. The UAV can include first and second propellers extending from a front portion of the wing and positioned to provide thrust to the UAV. The UAV can include a first actuator carried by the wing, and a first leg operably coupled to the first actuator. The first leg can be configured to rotate in a first plane parallel to a plane bisecting the wing. In some embodiments, the UAV includes a second leg connected to a second actuator, the second leg configured to rotate in a plan parallel to the first plane.

The present technology is directed to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) a wing. The UAV can include first and second propellers extending from a front portion of the wing and positioned to provide thrust to the UAV. The UAV can include a first actuator carried by the wing, and a first leg operably coupled to the first actuator. The first leg can be configured to rotate in a first plane parallel to a plane bisecting the wing. In some embodiments, the UAV includes a second leg connected to a second actuator, the second leg configured to rotate in a plan parallel to the first plane.

A sunshade device and sunshade management system for mitigating the effects of climate change and direct and prolonged exposure to the sun, the sunshade device including a canopy attached to a collapsible web or frame structure. The frame structure can be collapsed or opened by operation of an electric motor. The sunshade device is positioned above the ground by electrically powered lifting devices that are powered by a battery system that is charged by solar cells. A sunshade management system controls the status of the sunshade device, and can collapse the frame and activate the lifting devices to position the sunshade in the sky, and open the frame and deactivate the lifting devices to allow the sunshade device to slowly descend while providing shade to areas below the sunshade device.

An aerial robot system may include an aerial robot having an airframe, a piezo actuator, a wing connected to the piezo actuator, and a photovoltaic cell. The system may further include a laser source configured to emit a laser beam oriented toward the photovoltaic cell for conversion by the photovoltaic cell into electrical energy. The aerial robot may further include a boost converter connected to the photovoltaic cell and configured to raise a voltage level of the electrical energy, and a signal generator connected to the boost converter and configured to generate an alternating signal. The piezo actuator is connected to the signal generator to move according to the alternating signal to cause the wing to move in a flapping motion to generate aerodynamic force that moves the robot. Methods for manufacturing aerial robots and corresponding electronics are also disclosed herein.

An aerial robot system may include an aerial robot having an airframe, a piezo actuator, a wing connected to the piezo actuator, and a photovoltaic cell. The system may further include a laser source configured to emit a laser beam oriented toward the photovoltaic cell for conversion by the photovoltaic cell into electrical energy. The aerial robot may further include a boost converter connected to the photovoltaic cell and configured to raise a voltage level of the electrical energy, and a signal generator connected to the boost converter and configured to generate an alternating signal. The piezo actuator is connected to the signal generator to move according to the alternating signal to cause the wing to move in a flapping motion to generate aerodynamic force that moves the robot. Methods for manufacturing aerial robots and corresponding electronics are also disclosed herein.

Methods, apparatuses and systems for providing renewable energy powered, continuous geostationary orbital communications include arranging a plurality of renewable energy powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) having ground and air communication capabilities in a belt configuration around the earth, spacing apart the plurality of UAVs to provide intercommunication between at least neighboring ones of the plurality of UAVs, and positioning the plurality of UAVs in a relatively stationary location above the earth at a height of between 12 to 15 miles.

Methods, apparatuses and systems for providing renewable energy powered, continuous geostationary orbital communications include arranging a plurality of renewable energy powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) having ground and air communication capabilities in a belt configuration around the earth, spacing apart the plurality of UAVs to provide intercommunication between at least neighboring ones of the plurality of UAVs, and positioning the plurality of UAVs in a relatively stationary location above the earth at a height of between 12 to 15 miles.