Abstract: A control circuit dispatches towards a delivery zone a terrestrial vehicle that carries at least one airborne drone and at least one item to be delivered to a customer. When the terrestrial vehicle is in the delivery zone, the drone is dispatched to carry the item to the customer. By one approach the drone exits the terrestrial vehicle without bearing the item. The item can be automatically moved from within the terrestrial vehicle to a position such that the item is at least partially exposed external to the terrestrial vehicle. The airborne drone, subsequent to exiting the terrestrial vehicle, can engage the item in order to then deliver that item to the customer. By one approach the terrestrial vehicle includes one or more platforms that support one or more airborne drones and that can be moved from within the terrestrial vehicle to a deployed position external to the terrestrial vehicle.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein for stabilizing an unmanned aerial system. An apparatus for stabilizing an unmanned aerial system comprises a ring member and a pair of attachment members each having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to attach to a multicopter and a second end being coupled to the ring member. Wherein the pair of attachment members holds the ring member such that a plane of a circumference of the ring member is generally parallel to blades of the multicopter.

Abstract: In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided that limit the change in temperature and/or control a temperature of a product during delivery. Some embodiments provide systems comprising an unmanned delivery vehicle (UDV) comprising: a body comprising a nanotechnology insulation material, wherein the nanotechnology insulation material comprises material having been manipulated at a molecular level during the macroscale fabrication of the nanotechnology insulation material to enhance insulation effectiveness; at least one propulsion system; a control circuit coupled with the at least one propulsion system to control the operation of the at least one propulsion system and control a direction of travel of the UDV, wherein the body physically supports the propulsion system and the control circuit; and a product cavity defined within the body and configured to receive at least one product while the at least one product is transported by the UDV to a delivery location.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for intrusion protection on autonomous vehicles. As threats are detected, the nature of the threat is analyzed. A tiered response to the threat is then implemented, with an ultimate implementation including putting the autonomous vehicle in a “turtle” mode, and intermediate implementations including isolation of various subsystems. As the threats are identified and the autonomous vehicle implements the tiered responses, the autonomous vehicle records data regarding the efficiency the responses in diminishing the threat, then modifies the code which forms the autonomous algorithms such that, over time, the autonomous vehicle improves how it recognizes and responds to threats.

Abstract: Generally speaking, pursuant to various embodiments, systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein useful for autonomously delivering lockers. In some embodiments, a system comprises a carrier vehicle, the carrier vehicle comprising a storage area, a docking station including a plurality of storage docks, each of the plurality of storage docks configured to secure at least one locker, wherein the docking station is located within the storage area, and a retrieval point, a plurality of lockers each configured to house at least one product, a delivery vehicle, the delivery vehicle comprising a delivery dock, wherein the delivery dock is configured to receive, at the retrieval point, at least one locker, and a propulsion mechanism, wherein the propulsion mechanism propels the delivery vehicle, and a control circuit, the control circuit configured to identify, from the plurality of lockers, a selected locker, and cause the selected locker to move to the retrieval point.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system to design an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) based on an intended task, comprising: UAS component database and a design control circuit configured to: obtain a first set of multiple task parameters corresponding to a requested task that the UAS is being designed to perform; identify at least one primary type of UAS component to be included in the UAS being designed; identify a first set of one or more secondary types of UAS components to support the primary type of UAS component while implementing the task; and provide a design plan of the designed UAS designed to be utilized to implement the task.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to presenting information on an DIPL. In some embodiments, a system for presenting information on an DIPL comprises the DIPL including a display device configured to present information related to an action to perform with a package, a wireless radio, and a securement mechanism configured to removably secure the DIPL to the package, and a control circuit configured to receive identification information for the DIPL and information for the package, associate, in a database, the identification information for the DIPL and the information for the package, determine the action to perform based on information associated with inventory levels in a retail facility, determine that the package is required for the action, and transmit, to the DIPL for presentation via the display device of the DIPL, an indication of the information related to the action to perform with the package.

Abstract: A price label is created, positioned, and dimensioned according to pricing information, regulatory information, location information, and dimensions of the screen. The price label is inserted into or over display content to form labeled pricing content. The labeled pricing content is transmitted to the electronic product such that the electronic product renders the labeled pricing content on the display screen.

Abstract: In some embodiments, systems, apparatuses and methods are provided to enhance customer service through the distribution of mobile sales vehicles comprising: an engine and a drivetrain; a point of sales system; product storage storing pre-selected products selected in response to an evaluation of location demographic information, and in response to an evaluation of population demographic information, wherein the pre-selected products comprise a sub-set of potential products available from a retail entity operating the sales vehicle; and a product distribution system coupled with the point of sales system and comprising a control circuit configured to authorize access by a customer to one or more products stored in the product storage and purchased by the customer.

Abstract: In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided herein useful to enable delivery of commercial products to customers. In some embodiments, the system comprises an autonomous ground vehicle on a delivery route to deliver commercial products to a person of interest. The AGV comprises control circuits communicatively coupled to sensors. The control circuits, using sensor data, determines whether a person positioned within a threshold distance relative to the AGV is the PoI; allow the PoI to designate an intention of a second person positioned within the threshold distance as being friendly or adverse relative to the PoI; determine the intention of the second person; receive a command from the PoI overriding the determination that the second person's intention is adverse to the PoI; and allow the PoI to take possession of the commercial products when the designated intention is friendly relative to the PoI and the command is received.

Abstract: In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided herein useful to communicate with a person of interest (“PoI”) via an autonomous ground vehicle (“AGV”) on a product delivery route. In some embodiments, autonomous product delivery systems are provided to enable communications with a PoI, comprises: an AGV on a product delivery route that includes one or more control circuits, one or more sensors in electrical communication with the one or more control circuits and configured to communicate sensor data to the one or more control circuits, and one or more emitters in electrical communication with the one or more control circuits. The control circuit uses sensor data to detect the presence of PoIs when they are positioned within a threshold distance relative to the AGV on the product delivery route, and in response thereof, cause the emitters to transmit a personalized message to the detected PoIs.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein for a rule-based electronic checkout system based on a distributed digital ledger. A point of sale system is configured to receive a transaction request for a selected product, receive a customer public key, index a disturbed digital ledger to determine the user's ledger unit count for a selected product, request and verify a ledger transfer, and authorize the transaction based on the ledger transfer.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to packing one or more commercial product items for delivery to customers. In some embodiments, there is provided a system for packing one or more commercial product items including an elongated strip comprising a material that is at least flexible and bendable; at least one unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) coupling device secured to a first portion of the elongated strip, wherein the UAV coupling device comprises a plate configured to couple the elongated strip to a UAV configured to deliver the one or more commercial product items; a securing mechanism at a second portion of the elongated strip; and a wrapping material covering at least exposed areas of the one or more commercial product items not covered by the elongated strip.

Abstract: System, method, and apparatus for providing route guidance to a customer in a shopping facility space are provided. A system for providing route guidance comprises a communication device configured to communicate with a user interface device, a store map database storing location information for a plurality of items available for purchase in the retail space, and a control circuit coupled to the communication device and the store map database. The control circuit is configured to receive a list of items for purchase from a user associated with the user interface device via the communication device, retrieve location information associated with each item of the list of items for purchase from the store map database, determine a route based on at least one user entered route preference and the location information associated with each item of the list of items for purchase, and provide the route to the user interface device.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes one or more engines; a flight control system configured to control the one or more engines; one or more propellers operatively linked to the one or more engines to be driven by the one or more engines, the one or more propellers being located within corresponding one or more air ducts, each air duct having an air inlet opening and air outlet opening to allow passage of flow of air therethrough; and one or more safety guards configured to close each air inlet opening or each outlet air opening, or both of the one or more air ducts to prevent or reduce potential damage to or from the propellers and to open to allow flow of air through each air duct during flight.

Abstract: A system and a method for retrieving a package delivered by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The system includes a receiving structure mounted to and extending from a wall of a building, the receiving structure being configured to receive the package delivered by the UAV; and a transport system configured to transport the package from the receiving structure located outside of the building to a location inside of the building. The receiving structure includes a platform configured to support a weight of the UAV and the package carried by the UAV, and a trap door mounted to the platform configured to open and close an opening leading to the transport system.

Abstract: A window unit for receiving a package from an aerial vehicle to a window of a building. The window unit includes a frame and a net. The frame is coupled to a building wall and a window ledge. The net is coupled within the frame. The net receives delivery of the package. The window unit includes sensors and communication devices to confirm alignment of the package and effectuate delivery of the package. The window unit includes a release device for releasing the frame or net if there is a snag with the package or aerial vehicle. A method of delivering a package to the window unit includes confirming the package is aligned with the net prior to release of the package from the aerial vehicle.

Abstract: A plurality of electronic nodes sense, in real-time, micro-weather data. Each of the plurality of electronic nodes is communicatively coupled to an electronic aggregation node. The electronic aggregation node is configured to receive the micro-weather data. A control circuit is further configured to determine, based upon an analysis of the micro-weather data, and micro-weather conditions occurring in a limited geographic area, and a recommendation for a suggested maneuver to an aerial drone. The recommendation is effective to advantage the operation of the drone while operating within the geographic area under the micro-weather conditions.

Abstract: Electromagnetic energy signals are transmitted to an aerial drone. A comparison of the identification information inherent to these signals is made with acceptable identification information in a ledger stored at the drone. When the comparison identifies a valid transmission station, the control circuit allows the processing of the electromagnetic energy signals from the valid transmission station. The processing is effective to ascertain the location of or fine-tune the location of the aerial drone.

Abstract: In some embodiments, systems and methods provide a retail delivery unmanned aerial vehicle, comprising: a frame; a plurality of motors cooperated with the frame; a plurality of propellers each secured with one of the motors; a vehicle control circuit communicatively coupled with the motors and configured to control the motors in controlling the movement of the unmanned aerial vehicle; and an array of a plurality of tactile sensor systems each comprising: an extended feeler antenna with a distal end proximate one of the propellers and configured to flex in response to a threshold pressure from contact with an external object; and a contact sensor configured to detect contact by the extended feeler antenna with the external object; wherein the extended feeler antennae are spaced around the frame and define at least outer most lateral perimeter points laterally spaced about the unmanned aerial vehicle.