Abstract: Systems and corresponding control methods providing a ballistic robot that flies on a trajectory after being released (e.g., in non-powered flight as a ballistic body) from a launch mechanism. The ballistic robot is adapted to control its position and/or inflight movements by processing data from onboard and offboard sensors and by issuing well-timed control signals to one or more onboard actuators to achieve an inflight controlled motion. The actuators may move an appendage such as an arm or leg of the robot or may alter the configuration of one or more body links (e.g., to change from an untucked configuration to a tucked configuration), while other embodiments may trigger a drive mechanism of an inertia moving assembly to change/move the moment of inertia of the flying body. In-flight controlled movements are performed to achieve a desired or target pose and orientation of the robot during flight and upon landing.

Abstract: Systems and corresponding control methods providing a ballistic robot that flies on a trajectory after being released (e.g., in non-powered flight as a ballistic body) from a launch mechanism. The ballistic robot is adapted to control its position and/or inflight movements by processing data from onboard and offboard sensors and by issuing well-timed control signals to one or more onboard actuators to achieve an inflight controlled motion. The actuators may move an appendage such as an arm or leg of the robot or may alter the configuration of one or more body links (e.g., to change from an untucked configuration to a tucked configuration), while other embodiments may trigger a drive mechanism of an inertia moving assembly to change/move the moment of inertia of the flying body. Inflight controlled movements are performed to achieve a desired or target pose and orientation of the robot during flight and upon landing.

Abstract: Systems and corresponding control methods providing a ballistic robot that flies on a trajectory after being released (e.g., in non-powered flight as a ballistic body) from a launch mechanism. The ballistic robot is adapted to control its position and/or inflight movements by processing data from onboard and offboard sensors and by issuing well-timed control signals to one or more onboard actuators to achieve an inflight controlled motion. The actuators may move an appendage such as an arm or leg of the robot or may alter the configuration of one or more body links (e.g., to change from an untucked configuration to a tucked configuration), while other embodiments may trigger a drive mechanism of an inertia moving assembly to change/move the moment of inertia of the flying body. Inflight controlled movements are performed to achieve a desired or target pose and orientation of the robot during flight and upon landing.

Abstract: An aerial show system that includes unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), show systems onboard the UAVs, non-UAV or “ground” show systems, and a global ground control system. The control system is configured to actively track a UAV's operations during a show performance and to react to make the UAV truly a part of the larger show performance. The system achieves dynamic show participation of the UAV with the distributed show systems, which may include other UAVs and non-UAV show systems on the ground but launch or provide effects in the airspace through which the UAV flies. For example, the control system may track a UAV with a show effect element to determine whether the UAV properly hits its cue or mark with respect to position and orientation in the show space and with respect to timing and, in response to location tracking, trigger show effects early, late, or on time.

Abstract: Systems and corresponding control methods providing a ballistic robot that flies on a trajectory after being released (e.g., in non-powered flight as a ballistic body) from a launch mechanism. The ballistic robot is adapted to control its position and/or inflight movements by processing data from onboard and offboard sensors and by issuing well-timed control signals to one or more onboard actuators to achieve an inflight controlled motion. The actuators may move an appendage such as an arm or leg of the robot or may alter the configuration of one or more body links (e.g., to change from an untucked configuration to a tucked configuration), while other embodiments may trigger a drive mechanism of an inertia moving assembly to change/move the moment of inertia of the flying body. Inflight controlled movements are performed to achieve a desired or target pose and orientation of the robot during flight and upon landing.

Abstract: An apparatus for use as a flying entertainment vehicle. The apparatus includes a lift system, such as a parawing, that is inflated by air to generate lift and further includes a vehicle frame attached to the lift system such as by suspension lines that also space the lift system apart from the vehicle frame. The apparatus includes a thrust assembly supported on the vehicle frame that is operable to propel the vehicle at a flight speed at which the lift system is operated, e.g., the parawing is inflated, to generate lift to suspend the vehicle frame above the ground. The apparatus includes show elements that may be supported on or by the vehicle frame and be configured to be lift neutral. The show elements function to distract observers away from the lift system such as by appearing to provide the lift or features that cause the vehicle frame to fly.

Abstract: An apparatus for use as a flying entertainment vehicle. The apparatus includes a lift system, such as a parawing, that is inflated by air to generate lift and further includes a vehicle frame attached to the lift system such as by suspension lines that also space the lift system apart from the vehicle frame. The apparatus includes a thrust assembly supported on the vehicle frame that is operable to propel the vehicle at a flight speed at which the lift system is operated, e.g., the parawing is inflated, to generate lift to suspend the vehicle frame above the ground. The apparatus includes show elements that may be supported on or by the vehicle frame and be configured to be lift neutral. The show elements function to distract observers away from the lift system such as by appearing to provide the lift or features that cause the vehicle frame to fly.