A disaster response system includes a communication infrastructure including a plurality of sensor assemblies configured to generate data indicative of at least one of environmental conditions, motion, position, chemical detection, and medical information; and wirelessly provide the generated data to the communication infrastructure. The system also includes an incident command infrastructure configured to exchange data with the communication infrastructure; and detect an incident based on the data from the sensor assemblies. The system also includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configured to deliver a payload in response to the detected incident.

An unmanned aerial vehicle according to certain embodiments generally includes a chassis, a power supply mounted to the chassis, a control system operable to receive power from the power supply, at least one rotor operable to generate lift under control of the control system, and a winch mounted to the chassis. The winch includes a reel and a motor. The reel has a line wound thereon, the line having a free end. The reel includes a circumferential channel in which a wound portion of the line is wound onto the reel. The circumferential channel includes an inner portion, an outer portion, and a passage connecting the inner portion and the outer portion. The motor is operable to rotate the reel under control of the control system to thereby cause the line to wind onto and off of the reel, thereby causing the free end of the line to raise and lower.

Systems and methods for delivering packages via aerial vehicles are disclosed. The system can comprise a label that includes a parachute to enable the packages to be dropped from the aerial vehicle, yet land at the package's destination without damage. The system can include a self-adhesive backing, a plurality of parachute cords, a parachute, and a breakaway cover. The parachute cords can include a shock absorber to reduce the shock on the package of the parachute opening. The parachute and/or the breakaway cover can include graphics to provide address, velocity, or spin information for the package. The parachute cords can include a harness to separate the cords and reduce tangling of the cords and spinning of the parachute canopy with respect to the package.

Disclosed is a plug-and-play multifunctional attachment of a remote control rotorcraft, which includes: an attachment body that includes a device board and a remote control receiver unit. The device board has a top surface to which a first coupling member is mounted. The remote control receiver unit is mounted to and electrically connected to a bottom surface of the device board. Wireless transmission of a signal is enabled between a remote control device and the remote control receiver unit. A second coupling member is mounted to a bottom of an unmanned aircraft to enable selective engagement and coupling between the second coupling member and the first coupling member.

A radio controlled (RC) vehicle includes a receiver that is configured to receive an RF signal from a remote control device. The RF signal contains command data in accordance with a first coordinate system that is from a perspective of the remote control device. A motion sensor is configured to generate motion data. A processor is configured to transform the command data into control data based on the motion data and in accordance with a second coordinate system that is from a perspective of the RC vehicle. A plurality of control devices are configured to control motion of the RC vehicle based on the control data.

Described herein is a control system that facilitates assistance mode(s). In particular, the control system may determine a particular assistance mode associated with an account. This particular assistance mode may specify (i) operations for an aerial vehicle to carry out in order to obtain sensor data providing environment information corresponding to a location associated with the account and (ii) feedback processes to provide feedback, via a feedback system associated with the account, that corresponds to respective environment information. The control system may transmit to the aerial vehicle an indication of the particular operations corresponding to the particular assistance mode and may then receive environment information for the location associated with the account. Based on the received environment information, the control system may apply the specified feedback processes to initiate feedback in accordance with the particular assistance mode via the associated feedback system.

A radio controlled (RC) vehicle includes a receiver that is coupled to receive an RF signal from a remote control device, the RF signal containing command data in accordance with a first coordinate system, wherein the first coordinate system is from a perspective of the remote control device. A motion sensing module generates motion data based on the motion of the RC vehicle. A processing module transforms the command data into control data in accordance with a second coordinate system, wherein the second coordinate system is from a perspective of the RC vehicle. A plurality of control devices control the motion of the RC vehicle based on the control data.

A radio controlled (RC) vehicle includes a receiver that is coupled to receive an RF signal from a remote control device, the RF signal containing command data in accordance with a first coordinate system, wherein the first coordinate system is from a perspective of the remote control device. A motion sensing module generates motion data based on the motion of the RC vehicle. A processing module transforms the command data into control data in accordance with a second coordinate system, wherein the second coordinate system is from a perspective of the RC vehicle. A plurality of control devices control the motion of the RC vehicle based on the control data.

A multiple hoist system is used with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for delivering parcels. An example of the multiple hoist system comprises two or more hoists that are independently operable, meaning that a first hoist can lower or raise a first line independently of using a second hoist to raise or lower a second line. The hoists can independently raise and lower their associated lines to allow the UAV to deliver multiple parcels to multiple delivery locations, or the hoists can synchronously raise and lower the associated lines together so that larger parcels can be delivered using the UAV. The hoists can be comprised within a body of the multiple hoist system. The body can further include a securing device for releasably securing the multiple hoist system to the UAV.

This disclosure is directed to a payload attachment and payload management and control device for an unmanned aircraft for supporting a payload having a payload handle, the payload attachment device. The payload attachment device including a receiver for receiving the payload handle and a releasable latch in the receiver having an engaged position and disengaged position, the latched biased to the engaged position restraining a payload handle. The payload attachment device includes a manual release connected to the latch for overcoming the bias and moving the cam to the disengaged position and an automated release connected to the latch for overcoming the bias and moving the cam to the disengaged position, the automated release connected to a controller of the unmanned aircraft. The payload attachment device may also receive payload telemetry data and electrical power from the payload using a disconnectable electrical communication connection.