An example carriage is configured for mounting to an unmanned aerial vehicle. The carriage generally includes a housing assembly configured for mounting to the unmanned aerial vehicle, a movable grip mounted to the housing assembly for movement between a capturing position and a releasing position, a latch device, and a driver. The latch device has a latching state and an unlatching state, is configured to retain the movable grip in the capturing position when the latch device is in the latching state, and is configured to permit movement of the movable grip from the capturing position to the releasing position when in the unlatching state. The driver is operable to transition the latch device from the latching state to the unlatching state.

A method according to certain embodiments generally involves operating a system including an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a base station. The base station includes a nest including an upper opening having an upper opening diameter and a lower opening having a lower opening diameter less than the upper opening diameter. The lower opening is accessible from within the base station. The method generally includes landing the UAV within the nest such that a portion of the UAV is accessible via the lower opening, releasably attaching a load to the UAV, and operating the UAV to deliver the load to a destination.

A method for loading an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle with one or more items is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a Center of Gravity of each of the one or more items and at least one physical characteristic of each of the one or more items. The method also includes categorizing each of the one or more items based on the obtained Center of Gravity and the at least one physical characteristic of the one or more items. The method further includes selecting, for each of the one or more items, one of a plurality of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to transport the corresponding one or more items based on the categorization of each of the one or more items.

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.

An unmanned aerial vehicle includes a plurality of rotors, the unmanned aerial vehicle being capable of flying with a ground work machine connected to a body. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes a controller configured or programmed to control flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle, at least one parachute connected to the body or the ground work machine, and at least one airbag provided on the body or the ground work machine.

Autonomous delivery drop points for delivery of an item are provided. The autonomous delivery drop points can include a proxy sensor to communicate information related to the autonomous delivery drop point to an autonomous delivery vehicle. The autonomous delivery drop points can include a delivery inlet configured to accept the item. The autonomous delivery drop points can include a storage receptacle configured to store the item until the item is retrieved by the owner of the item. The autonomous delivery drop points can include an attachment member coupled to the item. The autonomous delivery drop points can include a hook configured to couple to the attachment member to accept the item, wherein the hook comprises the proxy sensor.

An unmanned aerial vehicle according to certain embodiments generally includes a chassis, a control system, and at least one rotor. The chassis includes a first battery compartment configured to receive sliding insertion of a first battery, and a second battery compartment configured to receive sliding insertion of a second battery. The control system is operable to receive power from the first battery when the first battery is received in the first battery compartment, and is operable to receive power from the second battery when the second battery is received in the second battery compartment. The at least one rotor is operable to generate lift under control of the control system. The control system is configured to remain at least partially active under power supplied by the first battery when the second battery is removed from the second battery compartment.

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, a plurality of arms extending outward from the chassis, a plurality of rotors, and a support structure mounted atop the chassis. Each rotor is mounted to a corresponding arm of the plurality of arms, is in communication with the control system, and is operable to generate lift under control of the control system. The support structure includes a plurality of arched struts that connect to one another at an apex region of the support structure.

An aerial payload deployment system includes: an aerial vehicle including a flight controller operable to control a flight of the aerial vehicle; and a payload deployment system coupled to the aerial vehicle and configured to deploy a payload to an elevated lateral pole-like structure. The payload deployment system includes: a tethered payload system including: a tether having a first end portion and a second end portion; and a counterweight coupled to the first end portion of the tether, the second end portion of the tether being coupled to the payload to be deployed; and a payload release system configured to releasably secure the tethered payload system and is actuatable to release the tethered payload system in a manner such that when the tethered payload system descends towards the elevated lateral pole-like structure after being released, the counterweight is spaced laterally apart from the payload.

An unmanned aerial vehicle includes: a drive configured to accelerate the unmanned aerial vehicle; a carrying part configured to carry goods; a communication unit; one or more processors; and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the unmanned aerial vehicle to enter a standby space associated with a drop zone, transmit a drop permission request, enter a drop space above the drop zone when drop permission is received, and drop the goods into the drop zone by controlling the carrying part.