Abstract: A system for delivery of fragile payloads involves a structure having an approximately spherical aspect composed of rigid struts and flexible tendons joining ends of struts, the flexible tendons in tension placing the struts in compression, the structure having a hollow interior, and one or more fragile items wrapped in a shock-absorbing bio-degradable material such that no fragile item contacts another, forming a payload bundle, the payload bundle joined by fibrous filaments suspending the payload within the structure. The structure carrying the payload bundle is carried to a destination by an aerial vehicle and dropped from a height to the ground, where the structure rebounds and rolls, dissipating kinetic energy gained in falling, preventing the payload bundle from striking ground surface.

Abstract: A system for delivery of fragile payloads involves a structure having an approximately spherical aspect composed of rigid struts and flexible tendons joining ends of struts, the flexible tendons in tension placing the struts in compression, the structure having a hollow interior, and one or more fragile items wrapped in a shock-absorbing bio-degradable material such that no fragile item contacts another, forming a payload bundle, the payload bundle joined by fibrous filaments suspending the payload within the structure. The structure carrying the payload bundle is carried to a destination by an aerial vehicle and dropped from a height to the ground, where the structure rebounds and rolls, dissipating kinetic energy gained in falling, preventing the payload bundle from striking ground surface.

Abstract: A system for harvesting produce from a tree has a drone capable of hovering, a video camera gathering visual data of movement, a cutting implement, a remote control station with a display screen, wireless circuitry, and input mechanisms to control movement of the drone and operation of the cutting implement, and circuitry in the body of the drone enabling two-way communication with the remote control station, transmission of video data from the video camera, and response to commands from the remote control station. The video data from the camera on the drone is displayed on the display screen of the remote control station, and an operator viewing the display screen operates the input mechanisms, maneuvering the drone to position the cutting implement relative to produce in the tree, and triggers the cutting implement by command, severing a stem to separate the produce, causing the produce to fall from the tree.

Abstract: A system for delivery of fragile payloads involves a structure having an approximately spherical aspect composed of rigid struts and flexible tendons joining ends of struts, the flexible tendons in tension placing the struts in compression, the structure having a hollow interior, and one or more fragile items wrapped in a shock-absorbing bio-degradable material such that no fragile item contacts another, forming a payload bundle, the payload bundle joined by fibrous filaments suspending the payload within the structure. The structure carrying the payload bundle is carried to a destination by an aerial vehicle and dropped from a height to the ground, where the structure rebounds and rolls, dissipating kinetic energy gained in falling, preventing the payload bundle from striking ground surface.

Abstract: A system for harvesting produce from a tree has a drone capable of hovering, a video camera gathering visual data of movement, a cutting implement, a remote control station with a display screen, wireless circuitry, and input mechanisms to control movement of the drone and operation of the cutting implement, and circuitry in the body of the drone enabling two-way communication with the remote control station, transmission of video data from the video camera, and response to commands from the remote control station. The video data from the camera on the drone is displayed on the display screen of the remote control station, and an operator viewing the display screen operates the input mechanisms, maneuvering the drone to position the cutting implement relative to produce in the tree, and triggers the cutting implement by command, severing a stem to separate the produce, causing the produce to fall from the tree.

Abstract: A system for harvesting produce from a tree has a drone capable of hovering, a video camera gathering visual data of movement, a cutting implement, a remote control station with a display screen, wireless circuitry, and input mechanisms to control movement of the drone and operation of the cutting implement, and circuitry in the body of the drone enabling two-way communication with the remote control station, transmission of video data from the video camera, and response to commands from the remote control station. The video data from the camera on the drone is displayed on the display screen of the remote control station, and an operator viewing the display screen operates the input mechanisms, maneuvering the drone to position the cutting implement relative to produce in the tree, and triggers the cutting implement by command, severing a stem to separate the produce, causing the produce to fall from the tree.

Abstract: A system for harvesting produce from a tree has a drone capable of hovering, a video camera gathering visual data of movement, a cutting implement, a remote control station with a display screen, wireless circuitry, and input mechanisms to control movement of the drone and operation of the cutting implement, and circuitry in the body of the drone enabling two-way communication with the remote control station, transmission of video data from the video camera, and response to commands from the remote control station. The video data from the camera on the drone is displayed on the display screen of the remote control station, and an operator viewing the display screen operates the input mechanisms, maneuvering the drone to position the cutting implement relative to produce in the tree, and triggers the cutting implement by command, severing a stem to separate the produce, causing the produce to fall from the tree.