Abstract: An introduced autonomous aerial vehicle can include multiple cameras for capturing images of a surrounding physical environment that are utilized for motion planning by an autonomous navigation system. In some embodiments, the cameras can be integrated into one or more rotor assemblies that house powered rotors to free up space within the body of the aerial vehicle. In an example embodiment, an aerial vehicle includes multiple upward-facing cameras and multiple downward-facing cameras with overlapping fields of view to enable stereoscopic computer vision in a plurality of directions around the aerial vehicle. Similar camera arrangements can also be implemented in fixed-wing aerial vehicles.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) controller may have control elements configured to receive inputs from a user. A cover may be coupled to the controller. The cover may be movable between a closed position in which the control elements are covered and an open position in which the control elements are exposed. An antenna may be integrated in the cover. The antenna may be electrically connected to circuitry in the controller for communicating with a UAV. In some implementations, a conductive plane and/or an insulating plane may be integrated in the cover. In some implementations, a heatsink, a fan, and/or a support mechanism may be arranged on an under portion of the controller. In some implementations, a circuit board including a cutout may be arranged inside the controller.

Abstract: A base station is disclosed for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The base station includes: a metallic enclosure; a first electronics module; a second electronics module; and a third electronics module, wherein the first electronics module, the second electronics module, and the third electronics module are each configured for individual removal from the metallic enclosure. The metallic enclosure is configured to receive the UAV and includes a front end having a front door and a rear end having a rear door. The rear door is located adjacent to the first electronics module and includes a metallic panel that is positioned in correspondence with the first electronics module so as to create a Faraday cage for the first electronics module and thereby reduce electromagnetic emissions from the base station.

Abstract: An introduced autonomous aerial vehicle can include multiple cameras for capturing images of a surrounding physical environment that are utilized for motion planning by an autonomous navigation system. In some embodiments, the cameras can be integrated into one or more rotor assemblies that house powered rotors to free up space within the body of the aerial vehicle. In an example embodiment, an aerial vehicle includes multiple upward-facing cameras and multiple downward-facing cameras with overlapping fields of view to enable stereoscopic computer vision in a plurality of directions around the aerial vehicle. Similar camera arrangements can also be implemented in fixed-wing aerial vehicles.

Abstract: An introduced autonomous aerial vehicle can include multiple cameras for capturing images of a surrounding physical environment that are utilized for motion planning by an autonomous navigation system. In some embodiments, the cameras can be integrated into one or more rotor assemblies that house powered rotors to free up space within the body of the aerial vehicle. In an example embodiment, an aerial vehicle includes multiple upward-facing cameras and multiple downward-facing cameras with overlapping fields of view to enable stereoscopic computer vision in a plurality of directions around the aerial vehicle. Similar camera arrangements can also be implemented in fixed-wing aerial vehicles.

Abstract: An introduced autonomous aerial vehicle can include multiple cameras for capturing images of a surrounding physical environment that are utilized for motion planning by an autonomous navigation system. In some embodiments, the cameras can be integrated into one or more rotor assemblies that house powered rotors to free up space within the body of the aerial vehicle. In an example embodiment, an aerial vehicle includes multiple upward-facing cameras and multiple downward-facing cameras with overlapping fields of view to enable stereoscopic computer vision in a plurality of directions around the aerial vehicle. Similar camera arrangements can also be implemented in fixed-wing aerial vehicles.

Abstract: An introduced autonomous aerial vehicle can include multiple cameras for capturing images of a surrounding physical environment that are utilized for motion planning by an autonomous navigation system. In some embodiments, the cameras can be integrated into one or more rotor assemblies that house powered rotors to free up space within the body of the aerial vehicle. In an example embodiment, an aerial vehicle includes multiple upward-facing cameras and multiple downward-facing cameras with overlapping fields of view to enable stereoscopic computer vision in a plurality of directions around the aerial vehicle. Similar camera arrangements can also be implemented in fixed-wing aerial vehicles.

Abstract: An introduced autonomous aerial vehicle can include multiple cameras for capturing images of a surrounding physical environment that are utilized for motion planning by an autonomous navigation system. In some embodiments, the cameras can be integrated into one or more rotor assemblies that house powered rotors to free up space within the body of the aerial vehicle. In an example embodiment, an aerial vehicle includes multiple upward-facing cameras and multiple downward-facing cameras with overlapping fields of view to enable stereoscopic computer vision in a plurality of directions around the aerial vehicle. Similar camera arrangements can also be implemented in fixed-wing aerial vehicles.

Abstract: An introduced autonomous aerial vehicle can include multiple cameras for capturing images of a surrounding physical environment that are utilized for motion planning by an autonomous navigation system. In some embodiments, the cameras can be integrated into one or more rotor assemblies that house powered rotors to free up space within the body of the aerial vehicle. In an example embodiment, an aerial vehicle includes multiple upward-facing cameras and multiple downward-facing cameras with overlapping fields of view to enable stereoscopic computer vision in a plurality of directions around the aerial vehicle. Similar camera arrangements can also be implemented in fixed-wing aerial vehicles.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) controller may have control elements configured to receive inputs from a user. A cover may be coupled to the controller. The cover may be movable between a closed position in which the control elements are covered and an open position in which the control elements are exposed. An antenna may be integrated in the cover. The antenna may be electrically connected to circuitry in the controller for communicating with a UAV. In some implementations, a conductive plane and/or an insulating plane may be integrated in the cover. In some implementations, a heatsink, a fan, and/or a support mechanism may be arranged on an under portion of the controller. In some implementations, a circuit board including a cutout may be arranged inside the controller.

Abstract: An introduced autonomous aerial vehicle can include multiple cameras for capturing images of a surrounding physical environment that are utilized for motion planning by an autonomous navigation system. In some embodiments, the cameras can be integrated into one or more rotor assemblies that house powered rotors to free up space within the body of the aerial vehicle. In an example embodiment, an aerial vehicle includes multiple upward-facing cameras and multiple downward-facing cameras with overlapping fields of view to enable stereoscopic computer vision in a plurality of directions around the aerial vehicle. Similar camera arrangements can also be implemented in fixed-wing aerial vehicles.

Abstract: The technology described herein relates to autonomous aerial vehicle rotor configurations. In some embodiments, the aerial vehicle includes a central body that extends along a longitudinal axis from a forward end to an aft end including a port side opposite a starboard side. Multiple rotor arms each have a proximal end coupled to the central body and a rotor assembly arranged at a distal end to provide propulsion for the aerial vehicle. The rotor assemblies include a first set of rotor assemblies and a second set of rotor assemblies. The first set of rotor assemblies are arranged in a non-inverted configuration on a top side of the aerial vehicle such that each rotor assembly includes an upward-facing rotor. The second set of rotor assemblies are arranged in an inverted configuration on a bottom side of the aerial vehicle such that each rotor assembly includes a downward-facing rotor.

Abstract: The technology described herein relates to autonomous aerial vehicle technology and, more specifically, to environment illumination for autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles. In some embodiments, a UAV includes upward-facing image capture devices, downward-facing image capture devices, one or more illumination sources, and a computer system. The computer system is configured to direct the one or more illumination sources to selectively emit light into a surrounding physical environment while the UAV is in flight, process images captured by any one or more of the plurality of upward-facing image capture devices or the plurality of downward-facing image capture devices to estimate a position and/or orientation of the aerial vehicle, generate a planned trajectory for the aerial vehicle through a physical environment based on the processing of the images, and control a propulsion system and/or flight surface of the aerial vehicle to cause the aerial vehicle to autonomously maneuver along the planned trajectory.

Abstract: The technology described herein relates to autonomous aerial vehicle technology and, more specifically, to autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle with folding collapsible arms. In some embodiments, a UAV including a central body, a plurality of rotor arms, and a plurality of hinge mechanisms is disclosed. The plurality of rotor arms each include a rotor unit at a distal end of the rotor arm. The rotor units are configured to provide propulsion for the UAV. The plurality of hinge mechanisms mechanically attach (or couple) proximal ends of the plurality of rotor arms to the central body. Each hinge mechanism is configured to rotate a respective rotor arm of the plurality of rotor arms about an axis of rotation that is at an oblique angle relative to a vertical median plane of the central body to transition between an extended state and a folded state.

Abstract: The technology described herein relates to autonomous aerial vehicle technology and, more specifically, to image stabilization systems for autonomous aerial vehicles. In some embodiments, a UAV including a central body, an image capture assembly that couples the image capture assembly to the central body. The image stabilization assembly is configured to provide structural protection and support around the image capture assembly while passively isolating the image capture assembly from vibrations and other motion of the central body while the UAV is in flight.

Abstract: An introduced autonomous aerial vehicle can include multiple cameras for capturing images of a surrounding physical environment that are utilized for motion planning by an autonomous navigation system. In some embodiments, the cameras can be integrated into one or more rotor assemblies that house powered rotors to free up space within the body of the aerial vehicle. In an example embodiment, an aerial vehicle includes multiple upward-facing cameras and multiple downward-facing cameras with overlapping fields of view to enable stereoscopic computer vision in a plurality of directions around the aerial vehicle. Similar camera arrangements can also be implemented in fixed-wing aerial vehicles.