Abstract: In embodiments, apparatuses, methods and storage media (transitory and non-transitory) are described that receive sensor data from one or more sensor devices that depict a user gesture in three dimensional space, determine a flight path based at least in part on the sensor data, and store the flight path in memory for use to control operation of a drone. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: A solution for managing vehicles both individually and as a group of associated vehicles is provided. A vehicle node can be located on each vehicle in the group and obtain and process data from a plurality of sensors also located on the vehicle. The vehicle node can be configured to communicate, either directly or indirectly, with a group system assigned to the group using a wireless communications solution. The group system can acquire monitoring data for all of the group of associated vehicles, which can be used to manage the group of associated vehicles and/or one or more individual vehicles in the group. The group system can be located on a vehicle traveling as part of the group of associated vehicles or at a fixed location.

Abstract: An access control system for a vehicle includes a rear closure and a system that controls movement of the rear closure between closed and open positions. The control system including a controller and a wireless communication module having a wireless interface configured for short range wireless communication. The controller receives an actuation signal requesting transition of the rear closure to an open position from a mobile communication device carried by a vehicle user. The controller then determines when the user enters authentication and actuation zones proximate the vehicle via communication between the wireless communication module and a short range wireless communication device carried by the user. One the user is within the actuation zone, the controller generates a rear closure control signal configured to cause the rear closure to move from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A set of instructions implements an application programming interface (API) for providing navigation data from a portable device to a head unit of a vehicle. When invoked by a companion application executing on the portable device, the API is configured to obtain navigation data for navigating a user between a source and a destination, where the portable device receives the navigation data from a navigation server via a long-range communication link. The API is further configured to provide the navigation data to the companion application for transmission to the head unit via a short-range communication link.