Abstract: A storage station includes a housing defining an inner space, and having a top and side passage for passage of a container. One or more funnels are provided at the top passage for guiding the passage of containers therethrough, and an actuator system is provided for, selectively, engaging a container with a suspension system and disengaging a container from a suspension system. Also provided is a transfer system that is inclusive of the storage station, a UAV, a reusable container; and methods of transferring reusable containers between UAVs, the storage station, and other transport stations.

Abstract: An autonomous shipping system is inclusive of a delivery server that manages the several shipping assets for fulfilling shipping requests to transport packages between origin and destination locations through the coordinated interactions of distributed shipping assets that include service drones and service stations. Service drones are inclusive of delivery drones for holding and transporting packages and charge drones that carry additional power capacities and which are adapted to interact with delivery drones for executing power renewal routines for providing additional power to the power units of delivery drones. Service stations include docking stations that serve as shelters and recharging stations for one or more service drones, transfer stations for transferring packages between two delivery drones, and storage stations for temporarily storing packages during mid-shipment.

Abstract: A storage station includes a housing defining an inner space, and having a top and side passage for passage of a container. One or more funnels are provided at the top passage for guiding the passage of containers therethrough, and an actuator system is provided for, selectively, engaging a container with a suspension system and disengaging a container from a suspension system. Also provided is a transfer system that is inclusive of the storage station, a UAV, a reusable container; and methods of transferring reusable containers between UAVs, the storage station, and other transport stations.

Abstract: A transfer station includes a housing defining an inner space, and having a front passage for passage of a UGV and a top passage for passage of a container. One or more funnels are provided at the top passage for guiding the passage of containers therethrough, and an actuator system is provided for, selectively, engaging a container with a UAV suspension system and disengaging a container from a UAV suspension system. Also provided is a transfer system that is inclusive of the transfer station, a UAV, a UGV, and a reusable container; and methods of transferring reusable containers between UAVs and UGVs.

Abstract: A transfer station includes a housing defining an inner space, and having a front passage for passage of a UGV and a top passage for passage of a container. One or more funnels are provided at the top passage for guiding the passage of containers therethrough, and an actuator system is provided for, selectively, engaging a container with a UAV suspension system and disengaging a container from a UAV suspension system. Also provided is a transfer system that is inclusive of the transfer station, a UAV, a UGV, and a reusable container; and methods of transferring reusable containers between UAVs and UGVs.