Abstract: An aerial vehicle configured for operation within indoor spaces has a meshed construction with a housing defined by upper and lower sections having meshes provided above and below propellers and motors of the aerial vehicle. The aerial vehicle also includes a suite of sensors such as LIDAR sensors, time-of-flight sensors, cameras, ultrasonic sensors, or others. Meshes of the upper and lower sections include central openings along with spokes and concentric rings provided about the central openings. Meshes of the lower section have substantially larger central openings than meshes of the upper section, but feature more dense spokes or concentric rings beneath tips of the rotating propellers, which may be hinged or foldable in nature. Data captured by sensors of the aerial vehicle may be utilized for any purpose, such as to generate environment maps of an indoor space, or to monitor the indoor space for adverse conditions or events.

Abstract: A docking station for an aerial vehicle includes a frame having an upper rim or perimeter for providing support to the aerial vehicle and defining a depression or a cavity for accommodating portions of the aerial vehicle therein. The depression or cavity includes a plurality of visual markings arranged in a distinct pattern, along with receptacles for receiving landing extensions of an aerial vehicle therein. When an aerial vehicle attempts a docking evolution, a downward-oriented camera of the aerial vehicle captures images of the docking station and detects the plurality of visual markings in the distinct pattern depicted within such images. The aerial vehicle may then execute maneuvers to properly align itself with respect to the distinct pattern during a descent. The frame is formed at angles and from materials that are selected to enable landing extensions of an aerial vehicle to slide into receptacles and complete a docking evolution.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle configured for operation within indoor spaces has a meshed construction with a housing defined by upper and lower sections having meshes provided above and below propellers and motors of the aerial vehicle. The aerial vehicle also includes a suite of sensors such as LIDAR sensors, time-of-flight sensors, cameras, ultrasonic sensors, or others. Meshes of the upper and lower sections include central openings along with spokes and concentric rings provided about the central openings. Meshes of the lower section have substantially larger central openings than meshes of the upper section, but feature more dense spokes or concentric rings beneath tips of the rotating propellers, which may be hinged or foldable in nature. Data captured by sensors of the aerial vehicle may be utilized for any purpose, such as to generate environment maps of an indoor space, or to monitor the indoor space for adverse conditions or events.