Abstract: A base station is disclosed that is configured for use with a UAV. The base station includes: an enclosure with an outer housing that defines a roof section and an inner housing that is connected to the outer housing; one or more heating elements that are supported by the enclosure and which are configured to heat the roof section; one or more fiducials that are supported by the enclosure; an illumination system that is supported by the enclosure and which is configured to illuminate the one or more fiducials; and a visualization system that is supported by the enclosure.

Abstract: A base station is disclosed for use with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The base station includes: an enclosure; a cradle that is configured to charge a power source of the UAV during docking with the base station; and a temperature control system that is connected to the cradle and which is configured to vary temperature of the power source of the UAV. The temperature control system includes: a thermoelectric conditioner (TEC); a first air circuit that is thermally connected to the TEC and which is configured to regulate temperature of the TEC; and a second air circuit that is thermally connected to the TEC such that the TEC is located between the first air circuit and the second air circuit. The second air circuit is configured to direct air across the cradle to thereby heat or cool the power source of the UAV when docked with the base station.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed that includes a power source. The power source includes: one or more power cells; one or more thermal transfer members that are thermally connected to the one or more power cells; and a heat exchanger that is thermally connected to the one or more thermal transfer members such that the one or more thermal transfer members and the heat exchanger facilitate a transfer of thermal energy between the power source and ambient air to decrease or increase temperature of the power source.

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.