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: A tape dispensing system includes packaging tape an application apparatus, and an incision element. The application apparatus is configured to apply the packaging tape to a package. The incision element defines a unique pattern, and is connected to the application apparatus. Movement of the apparatus is effective to punch or incise the unique pattern defined by the incision element completely through the packaging tape and into the package as or after the packaging tape is applied to the package.

Abstract: In some embodiments, unmanned aerial task systems are provided that comprise: multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) each comprising: a UAV control circuit; a motor; and a propulsion system; and wherein data acquired through a first set of at least one of the multiple UAVs while performing a first set of at least one task is caused to be distributed to a second set of at least two of the multiple UAVs, and cause cooperative computational processing of the data through the UAV control circuits of the second set of UAVs and cooperatively identify based on the cooperative computational processing a second set of at least one task to be performed, and identify a set of at least two tool systems to be utilized by a third set of at least two of the multiple UAVs in cooperatively performing the second set of at least one task.

Abstract: In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided herein useful for delivering merchandise using autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs) linking to and unlinking from other AGVs. In some embodiments, the system includes a plurality of AGVs where each AGV has a storage area and couplers at each end of the AGV and a first linked orientation in which the AGVs are linked end to end in a predetermined sequence. The system further includes centralized control circuit configured to receive a plurality of merchandise orders for delivery, identify a geographic neighborhood having orders, identify AGVs for delivery in the neighborhood, instruct the AGVs to form the first linked orientation, and instruct navigation of the AGV chain to an initial detachment location in the neighborhood. The AGVs detach in the neighborhood, complete their individual deliveries, and navigate to a predetermined relinking location in the neighborhood.

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: Systems, methods and devices for managing traffic one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system can comprise a first UAV including a processor, a memory and one or more sensors each in communication with the processor. The sensors can be configured to detect a secondary unmanned aerial vehicle approaching said primary unmanned aerial vehicle within a predetermined distance, and to create an area entirely surrounding the primary unmanned aerial vehicle that said secondary unmanned aerial vehicle is prohibiting from entering based on said one or more sensors. The processor can be capable of determining a route of said primary unmanned aerial vehicle to a geographical location based on a signal received from the one or more sensors that enters said area entirely surrounding primary unmanned aerial vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems of utilizing a drone for a package delivery are provided. An example method can include: receiving, by a central server, a request from a customer device, the request comprising one or more ordered items and a delivery destination; determining, by a processor at a central server and based on the request, instructions of a flight mission for a drone at a distribution center; instructing a first control system at a distribution center to place the ordered items into a bag; loading the bag into one of a plurality of cargo bays; providing the instructions of the flight mission to a second control system to control the drone to navigate to the delivery destination; and controlling the drone by the second control system to automatically release the bag with the ordered items from the cargo bay, the cargo bay remaining with the drone.

Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving and securely storing a package in a solar powered storage unit until retrieval by an intended recipient. The storage unit opens automatically to receive packages from delivery vehicles and maintains the interior of the storage unit at a desired temperature. The storage unit only allows designated recipients access to the package.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to identifying a hacked data communication received by an unmanned vehicle (UV). In some embodiments, there is provided a system for identifying a hacked data communication received by a UV including a retail UV a first antenna; a second antenna; a timing device; a memory device; a transport device; and a control circuit configured to determine whether data communication is hacked based on at least: an estimated location of a signal source, a determined timestamp, a determined source device identifier, a determined data type of a data content, and a source antenna; and in response to a determination that the data communication is not hacked, modify a first mission data to a second mission data; and initiate operation of the transport device to move the UV through a modified route based on the second mission data.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking and alerting a drone flying overhead are provided herein. The method includes acquiring a first data associated with a user device position; detecting a path corresponding to movement of the user device; receiving, from a server at the user device, drone data associated with a plurality of drones; filtering the drone data to obtain a second data associated with a drone position and a respective drone route which intersects with the path; predicting an intersection area; determining a distance between the user device position and the drone position based on the first data and the second data; determining whether a determined distance is equal to or less than a preset distance; and instructing a user to change the path or the speed of travel down a path when the determined distance is equal to or less than the preset distance.

Abstract: A blockchain-based method includes: generating an order for a customer based on the customer's profile; receiving warranty data for the order from manufacturers; associating the order with the warranty data; generating a token for the customer and adding the token to the customer's profile; updating the token with the warranty data; determining a delivery method for the order; identifying a courier based on the determined delivery method; transferring the token to the identified courier; updating the token when the order is delivered; and paying the courier when the delivery of the order is confirmed. Transactions in each step are stored in a blockchain.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for providing increased security to sensitive data acquired by autonomous vehicles. This is done using a flexible classification and storage system, where information about the autonomous vehicle's mission is used in conjunction with sensor data to determine if the sensor data is necessary to the mission. When the sensor data, the location of the autonomous vehicle, and other data indicate that the autonomous vehicle has captured non-mission specific data, it can be deleted, encrypted, fragmented, or otherwise partitioned, with the goal of protecting that sensitive information.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle for delivering a package. The aerial vehicle having a package deployment system coupled to the aerial vehicle. The package deployment system having a spool coupled to the aerial vehicle, a lowering line fixedly coupled to the spool at a first end, the lowering line having a second end secured to a grasping device, and a cutting device coupled to one of the spool or the lowering line. The aerial vehicle also having a package coupled to the grasping device and a monitoring system couple to one of the aerial vehicle or the package deployment system. The package deployment system is configured to deliver the package at a delivery location. The cutting device is configured to sever the lowering line to deliver the package. A method for delivering a package with an aerial vehicle having the package deployment system.

Abstract: A method for utilizing a drone for intermittent flights can include: receiving instructions of a flight mission with a flight route from an original location to a mission destination of the drone, wherein a plurality of stand-by locations are configured for the drone to land on along the flight route; obtaining data of the stand-by locations; scanning a first area between the original location of the drone and a first stand-by location to determine whether the first area is clear; controlling the drone to navigate over the first area along the flight route if the first area is clear; updating a drone position in real time; scanning a second area between an updated drone position and a second stand-by location to determine whether the second area is clear; and controlling the drone to land on the first stand-by location if the second area is not clear.

Abstract: A system for storing one or more unmanned aerial vehicles is described herein. The system includes one or more shelves attached to a holding structure, the one or more shelves being configured to support one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the one or more shelves defining one or more shelf areas configured to receive the one or more unmanned aerial vehicles. The system also includes an electrical charging station configured to charge electrical batteries of the one or more unmanned aerial vehicles supported by the one or more shelves; and a data transfer and storage system configured to transfer and store data that is previously stored in a data storage device of the one or more unmanned aerial vehicles in a data storage unit.

Abstract: A blockchain-based method includes: receiving, by a smart label via accessing a block of a blockchain stored on a computer system, a cold chain requirement for a product, wherein the smart label is affixed to a package containing the product, the cold chain requirement for the product is specified and stored by a manufacturer of the product in the block of the blockchain; storing, by the smart label, the cold chain requirement in a memory of the smart label; receiving, by the smart label, from a temperature sensor a temperature of the product, wherein the temperature sensor is affixed to the package containing the product; comparing, by the smart label, the temperature of the product with a temperature range of the product specified in the cold chain requirement; and adding, by the smart label, the temperature of the product and a time at which the temperature of the product is received by the smart label, to the blockchain, if the temperature of the product is outside of the temperature range specified in th

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for using multilayered authentication mechanisms, combined with hashing functions, to provide increased security and accuracy in identification of a user. One example is using facial biometric data as input to a hash function, and comparing that hash function output to previously stored hash function outputs to determine if the facial data captured matches that of a known user. Then, once a facial match is determined using the hashed values, a secondary confirmation is requested and/or received. If that secondary confirmation also matches stored data, the user is authorized to perform the transaction or access the restricted area.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle for delivering a package includes a package deployment system coupled to the aerial vehicle, a package coupled to the securing point, and a monitoring system couple to one of the aerial vehicle or the package deployment system. The package deployment system includes a spool coupled to the aerial vehicle; a lowering line fixedly coupled to the spool at a first end, the lowering line having a bitter end at a second end, a securing point coupled to the lowering line between the first end and the second end, and the bitter end coupled to the aerial vehicle at a securing device. The package deployment system is configured to deliver the package at a delivery location and the securing device is configured to release the bitter end to deliver the package. A method for delivering a package with an aerial vehicle having the package deployment system.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for iteratively planning autonomous vehicle missions with additional security. A system configured as disclosed herein generates a preliminary mission profile and a preliminary route for executing the mission. This information is transmitted to multiple third parties which can provide real-time updates regarding the proposed plan, and the system can iteratively update the proposed plan. In addition, the system can receive preliminary approval of the mission from regulatory bodies. Upon finalizing the plan, the system can receive an updated, final approval from the regulatory body, then store the mission and the mission-formation history in a blockchain on the autonomous vehicle. This blockchain can then be used for the execution of the mission.

Abstract: An autonomous wagon for receiving a package and transporting it to a storage unit for storage until retrieval by the recipient is described. The storage unit may include a heating or cooling mechanism for controlling the temperature in the interior of the storage unit that may be turned off when the storage unit is empty and turned on in response to a signal from a delivery vehicle.