Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful for receiving and storing delivered items. In some embodiments, a secured delivery locker is described herein that can communicate with delivery vehicles and/or users. In several embodiments, an autonomous delivery vehicle can communicate with a secured delivery locker to authenticate itself. The secured delivery locker can then grant access to the delivery vehicle, such as by opening a door to an interior thereof, so that the delivery vehicle can deposit a package therein. The locker can then confirm receipt of the package and close the door. Thereafter, the locker and/or the delivery vehicle can update a system to indicate that the package was delivered.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing communication of a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles. The present invention can include a central server and a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles including a master and secondary unmanned aerial vehicle. The master and secondary unmanned aerial vehicles can communicate with the central server and each other. The master and secondary unmanned aerial vehicle can deliver packages to different locations. In doing so, the master and secondary unmanned aerial vehicle can form a swarm that at least partially share a route for delivery of the packages to their destinations. The master unmanned aerial vehicle can be configured to: (i) receive delivery information for the master and secondary unmanned aerial vehicles, (ii) monitor communication between the swarm, and (iii) determine if the swarms encounters a risk.

Abstract: In some embodiments, unmanned task systems are provided that comprise multiple unmanned vehicles each comprising: a control circuit; a motor; and a propulsion system coupled with the motor and configured to enable the respective unmanned vehicles to move themselves; and wherein a first control circuit of a first unmanned vehicle of the multiple unmanned vehicles is configured to identify a second unmanned vehicle carrying a first tool system configured to perform a first function, cause a notification to be communicated to the second unmanned vehicle directing the second unmanned vehicle to transfer the first tool system to the first unmanned vehicle, and direct a first propulsion system of the first unmanned vehicle to couple with the first tool system being transferred from the second unmanned vehicle.

Abstract: An autonomous system for managing a vehicle storage area includes a control module configured to communicate, via an application program, with an autonomous yard truck. The control module instructs and facilitates the autonomous yard truck to move, dock, and/or store a trailer in the vehicle storage area. The autonomous yard truck includes a cab-less truck having a first end including a first trailer hookup and a second end including a second trailer hookup, a first set of sensors configured to position the autonomous yard truck in the vehicle storage area, a second set of sensors configured to maneuver the trailer, and a third set of sensors configured to prevent the autonomous truck from colliding with an object.

Abstract: An analysis of the delivery characteristics of an automated vehicle and a comparison of received security credentials of the vehicle to acceptable credentials are performed. Based upon the results of the analysis and the comparison, a confidence score is determined. The confidence score is a numerical measure of trust in an authentic identity of the automated vehicle. The determined confidence score is compared to the confidence threshold and when the score exceeds the confidence threshold, a message is transmitted to the automated vehicle allowing the vehicle to deliver a package to a delivery location.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for managing traffic one or more unmanned vehicles. A traffic flow managing system can include: a plurality of unmanned vehicle, each of the plurality of the unmanned vehicle comprising: a processor having executable instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium; and one or more sensors in communication with the processor, wherein the processor is configured to: detect any other unmanned vehicles approaching the unmanned vehicle within a predetermined distance via one or more sensors, communicate with any other unmanned vehicles to create a buffer zone around the unmanned vehicle to avoid entering the buffer zone of any other unmanned vehicles, and determine a route of the unmanned vehicle to a mission destination based on a signal received by the one or more sensors of the unmanned vehicle.

Abstract: In some embodiments, unmanned aerial task systems are provided that include a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) each comprising: a UAV control circuit; a motor; propulsion system; and a universal coupler configured to interchangeably couple with and decouple from one of multiple different tool systems each having different functions to be put into use while carried by a UAV, wherein a coupling system of the universal coupler is configured to secure a tool system with the UAV and enable a communication connection between a communication bus and the tool system, and wherein the multiple different tool systems comprise at least a package securing tool system configured to retain and enable transport of a package while being delivered, and a sensor tool system configured to sense a condition and communicate sensor data of the sensed condition to the UAV control circuit over the communication bus.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein for providing customized advertisement display on a digital billboard. A system comprises a digital billboard device with a customer sensor, a communication device, an advertisement database, and a control circuit.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide systems and methods of enhancing protection of unmanned retail delivery vehicles. Some of these embodiments comprise: a plurality of unmanned delivery vehicles (UDV); a plurality of lure unmanned vehicles; and a procedure randomization system configured to randomly select a protection procedure that is not to be implemented by a first lure unmanned vehicle to enhance an attack vulnerability; and wherein a first lure vehicle control circuit of the first lure unmanned vehicle is configured to obtain a first lure route and control the first lure unmanned vehicle to travel along the first lure route while preventing the selected first protection procedure from being applied while applying at least a sub-set of the set of the plurality of protection procedures to a full capacity while the first lure unmanned vehicle travels along the first lure route.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for identifying, on an autonomous vehicle which is traveling, a loss of a primary location system, and activating a secondary location system. The secondary location system performs a radio frequency sweep of a geographic area around the autonomous vehicle to identify radio frequency beacons, compares the radio frequency beacons to known ground stations, performs a visual scan of the geographic area to identify visual beacons, each visual beacon having a particular visual frequency, and compares the particular visual frequency of each of the visual beacons to known visual beacons. The secondary location system then identifies a current location of the autonomous vehicle by triangulating the verified radio frequency beacons and the verified visual beacons and the autonomous vehicle generates a route to a stopping location based on the current location produced by the secondary location system.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a receptacle for receiving products dropped off by unmanned vehicles includes a movable cover configured to permit the products to enter the first storage compartment of the receptacle. The first storage compartment includes an access opening that permits a customer to retrieve the package therefrom. The first storage receptacle is separated from a second storage compartment of the receptacle by a release panel movable from a closed position that retains the package in the first storage compartment to an open position that releases the package from the first storage compartment into the second storage compartment. The release panel moves from the closed position to the open position after a predefined interval of time of the package being retained in the first storage compartment without being retrieved by the customer. The second storage compartment includes an opening that permits a delivery service operator to retrieve the package therefrom.

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: A disposal bin includes at least one identifying sensor that captures and provides identifying information for items placed in the disposal bin as well as at least one state sensor to capture and provide state information (such as the weight of the item) for such items. A control circuit operably couples to these sensors and responds to placement of a consumable commodity container in the disposal bin by using the identifying information to identify the consumable commodity container. The control circuit then accesses a data store to obtain a fullness metric corresponding to the container (for example, a weight for the consumable commodity container when full). The control circuit then uses that fullness metric and the state information to determine a current fullness state of the container. The control circuit can then determine whether to automatically take a replacement order action based upon the current fullness state.

Abstract: A propeller-less unmanned aerial vehicle having a body having a plurality of channels, an inlet formed in the body and configured to allow air flow to enter the plurality of channels from an exterior of the body, an anechoic chamber formed in the body and coupled to the plurality of channels, a rotor comprising a plurality of angled fins located in the anechoic chamber, a control system configured to direct air flow within the plurality of channels, and one or more circular tubes coupled to the exterior of the body and in communication with the plurality of channels. The air flows into the body through the inlet, into the plurality of channels and the anechoic chamber, and exits through the one or more circular tubes to provide lift and directional control to the propeller-less unmanned aerial vehicle.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for performing a supply chain verification using blockchain. As packages proceed through the supply chain, data associated with each package is uploaded to respective blockchains such that a non-corruptible record can be maintained of how each individual blockchain was processed. This can require gathering current sensor data, comparing it to data previously stored in the blockchain, and if there is a difference, updating the blockchain with a new block. The updated blockchain can then be distributed to databases, other packages/devices, etc., on a distributed ledger.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided that provide for monitoring and controlling communication capabilities of unmanned transport vehicles that via one or more intermediate communication devices that provide relay communications between the unmanned transport vehicles and a control station device when the unmanned transport vehicles travel through areas where the network quality does not permit direct communication between the unmanned transport vehicles and the control station 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 robotic machine includes at least one sensor coupled to the robotic machine configured to generate a signal indicative of a worksurface for which a worksurface operation is to be conducted. The robotic machine also includes a machine and robotic control system configured to receive the signal indicative of the worksurface, identify the worksurface operation to be conducted, and generate control signals for an end effector of the robotic machine to carry out the identified worksurface operation.

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.