Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided that for transporting and deploying unmanned aerial vehicles. The unmanned aerial vehicles may be deployed from mobile stations that include receptacles each configured to retain an unmanned aerial vehicle. The receptacles may be independently movable into relative positions that permit multiple unmanned aerial vehicles to be deployed simultaneously from the mobile stations.

Abstract: Input signals and a failure indication are received from an automated ground vehicle (AGV) or aerial drone. A type of failure at the AGV or aerial drone is determined based upon analyzing the failure indication and the input signals. When the type of failure is a power failure, a first control signal is transmitted that connects a back-up power source to an electrical power network of the AGV or aerial drone. Upon reception of the failure indication, a second control signal is transmitted to the AGV or aerial drone that instigates a security protection measure at the AGV or aerial drone. A third control signal that is effective to actuate a recovery assistance apparatus is transmitted. The recovery assistance apparatus, upon being actuated, replaces or repairs the failed or suspect component.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to enable delivery of commercial products via one or more modular autonomous vehicles. In some embodiments, the system may include databases and primary autonomous vehicles (PAVs). Each database can include information corresponding to commercial missions each defining delivery characteristic and commercial product characteristics of products scheduled for delivery to a delivery destination. Each PAV can include transceivers, storage areas (e.g., to store secondary autonomous vehicles (SAV), SAV components, and commercial objects), and control circuits. The control circuit(s) can be configured to assess commercial missions and select SAV components in accordance with assessed commercial missions. The control circuits can be configured to cause the selected SAV components to be affixed on the SAV.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide aerial retail product delivery system, comprising: unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV); unmanned ground vehicle mobile control points (MCP) each configured to move to a pre-selected intermediate locations; wherein a UAV control circuit is configured to: determine adjustments to a final approach path between the UAV and a MCP to improve an alignment approach at a pre-selected intermediate location by applying a cooperative navigation between the UAV and the MCP as a function of both a first set of navigation data detected by coordination navigation sensor of the UAV, and a second set of navigation data detected by an inbound navigation sensor of the MCP; implement the adjustments to flight of the UAV to modify the final approach path; and direct the transfer of a product to the MCP and to cause the MCP to transport and deposit the product at a delivery location.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to streamline a product distribution process, including unloading, loading, and storage. In some embodiments, a trailer is described herein that initiates communications with a facility so that it can be determined whether the trailer has products intended for delivery to the facility. Further, the trailer can scan an interior thereof to maintain an accurate inventory. In several embodiments, the trailer, facility, and guided vehicles/machines at the facility can autonomously interact to unload products from the trailer, load products into the trailer, and store the trailer, as desired.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to provide experiential on-site use of physical products within a retail shopping facility in a combined virtual and physical setting. In some embodiments, a customer may use a physical retail product within the retail shopping facility in an environment simulated to be similar to those typically used or recommended for use with the physical retail product. Thus, for certain items that cannot be easily experienced in a retail shopping facility, the systems, apparatuses, and methods herein provide for a manner of experiencing a physical retail product before purchase. The combined virtual-physical experience may serve as a retail marketing system.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to fulfill product orders. In some embodiments, a product order fulfillment system, comprises: a plurality of Optical Head-Mounted Display (OHMD) systems; and a customer order fulfillment system associated with a retail store and configured to wireless communicate with each of the plurality of OHMD systems, and comprising a fulfillment management circuit configured to: receive multiple different product orders; determine separate product collection routes through the retail store that are each to be respectively followed by one of one or more workers; and wirelessly communicate route information and product identifier information to the OHMD systems and cause the route information and the product identifier information to be visually displayed through the OHMD systems.