Abstract: Systems and methods relating to an end-of-arm-tool that can be used in connection with the automated handling of vehicles, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), are disclosed. The described systems and methods can include an end-of-arm-tool which may include a load cell coupled to an end effector, such that forces and torques exerted on the end effector are translated onto the load cell. The measurement of forces and torques exerted on the end effector can facilitate determining various information in connection with the aerial vehicle, such as inertial properties or parameters associated with the aerial vehicle, the quality of the engagement between the end effector and the aerial vehicle, as well as diagnostic information in connection with the aerial vehicle. Additionally, the use of a load cell to measure forces and torques exerted on the end effector can eliminate the need to utilize traditional contact sensors typically required on the contact surfaces of an end-of-arm tool.

Abstract: A vehicle or another object is grasped by a robotic arm of a handling system and caused to undergo one or more movements or manipulations resulting in a change of position, orientation, velocity or acceleration of the vehicle. Sensors provided in the robotic arm capture data representative of forces or torques imparted upon the robotic arm by the vehicle during or after the movement, or power or energy levels of vibration resulting from the movement. A signature representative of an inertial or vibratory response of the vehicle to the movement is derived based on the data. The signature may be compared to a baseline signature similarly derived for a vehicle that is known to be structurally and aerodynamically sound. If the signature is sufficiently similar to the baseline signature, the vehicle may also be determined to be structurally and aerodynamically sound.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to generations of models to facilitate safe, automated handling and maneuvering of vehicles, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), by robotic systems, such as a robotic arm. The described systems and methods can include a robotic system, such as a robotic arm, having a load cell to measure certain forces and torques to generate models representing the behavior of vehicles and surfaces on which the vehicles may be placed and/or from which the vehicles may be removed.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to automated handline of aerial vehicles are disclosed. The described systems and methods can include a plurality of robots operating on a continuous, closed-loop track. A plurality of aerial vehicle handling stations can be disposed along the continuous, closed-loop track, and each of the plurality of robots can engage an aerial vehicles and transport it to the aerial vehicle handling station, as needed, in accordance with a workflow associated with the aerial vehicle. The described systems and methods can provide a fully automated system for the ground handling of multiple aerial vehicles simultaneously.