When an acceleration equal to or larger than a threshold value is exerted to a vehicle, an unmanned air vehicle takeoff and landing dock unlocks an unmanned air vehicle in a direction opposite to a direction in which the acceleration is exerted. When an acceleration detector of the unmanned air vehicle detects the acceleration equal to or larger than a threshold value, a flight controller of the unmanned air vehicle controls flight of the unmanned air vehicle to cause the unmanned air vehicle to ascend. Further, the unmanned air vehicle starts imaging by an imaging unit and starts transmitting imaging data acquired.

When an acceleration equal to or larger than a threshold value is exerted to a vehicle, an unmanned air vehicle takeoff and landing dock unlocks an unmanned air vehicle in a direction opposite to a direction in which the acceleration is exerted. When an acceleration detector of the unmanned air vehicle detects the acceleration equal to or larger than a threshold value, a flight controller of the unmanned air vehicle controls flight of the unmanned air vehicle to cause the unmanned air vehicle to ascend. Further, the unmanned air vehicle starts imaging by an imaging unit and starts transmitting imaging data acquired.

An apparatus for housing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in or on a vehicle includes a landing connection component configured to form a connection between the UAV and the vehicle when the UAV is landed in or on the vehicle, and a cover movable between a plurality of positions to permit the UAV to take off and land in or on the vehicle. The cover includes an antenna or a satellite dish integrated thereto. An orientation of the antenna or the satellite dish is adjustable for tracking a motion of the UAV when the UAV is in flight.

An example UAV landing structure includes a landing platform for a UAV, a cavity within the landing platform, and a track that runs along the landing platform and at least a part of the cavity. The UAV may include a winch system that includes a tether that may be coupled to a payload. Furthermore, the cavity may be aligned over a predetermined target location. The cavity may be sized to allow the winch system to pass a tethered payload through the cavity. The track may guide the UAV to a docked position over the cavity as the UAV moves along the landing platform. When the UAV is in the docked position, a payload may be loaded to or unloaded from the UAV through the cavity.

A method, system, and computer program product is provided for transporting an unmanned vehicle to a destination location. The method includes determining a ground vehicle from a plurality of ground vehicles based on a location of the ground vehicle, the destination location, and a location of the unmanned vehicle, controlling the unmanned vehicle to the location of the ground vehicle, controlling at least one attachment mechanism to attach the unmanned vehicle to the ground vehicle, in response to the ground vehicle traveling to a second location, controlling the at least one attachment mechanism to detach the unmanned vehicle from the ground vehicle, and controlling the unmanned vehicle to the destination location.

A system including an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or aerial robotic system (ARS) to perform at least one task to an object during flight of the UAV in a movement mode configured for maneuvering near a surface of the object. A task sensor configured to sense at least one parameter of the surface. An adjustable sensor arm attachable to the UAV and supporting the task sensor to facilitate the task performed to the surface of the object by the UAV during flight of the UAV. The sensor arm being resilient to impact forces caused by direct contact of the sensor or sensor arm with the surface to bend, spring or swivel relative to a contour of the surface.

A drone docking structure of an autonomous vehicle can include: a coil housing having a space for docking a drone to the vehicle; a docking cover configured to open or close a top portion of the coil housing according to whether the drone is docked; and a motor housing installed on a side surface of the coil housing and including a motor configured to actuate the docking cover.

A UAV landing platform having movable covers to securely store/maintain/charge a UAV. The UAV may be launched from the landing platform, and the landing platform can have visual indicators to guide the landing of the UAV back onto the landing platform. There can be an optional mechanism to self-adjust/self-level the landing surface such that a UAV can safely land onto the landing platform even when the landing platform is on a traveling vehicle.

A drone docking structure of an autonomous vehicle can include: a coil housing having a space for docking a drone to the vehicle; a docking cover configured to open or close a top portion of the coil housing according to whether the drone is docked; and a motor housing installed on a side surface of the coil housing and including a motor configured to actuate the docking cover.

Provided herein is a continuously unmanned multi-phenomenon sensor system and a continuously unmanned multi-phenomenon sensor platform comprising a plurality of continuously unmanned multi-phenomenon sensor systems for maritime monitoring, that is capable of surveying and monitoring rivers, ports, bays, coastal regions, and the high seas to conduct search operations, monitor for dangerous cargoes, prevent drug and migrant smuggling, enforce fisheries laws, monitor environmental conditions and living marine resources, inspect marine infrastructures, provide navigational aids, and to investigate marine accidents.