Apparatus and method for unmanned flight

US10273001B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Walmart Apollo, LLC · US

Inventors

• Robert L. Cantrell · Herndon, US
• John P. Thompson · Bentonville, US
• David C. Winkle · Berryville, US
• Michael D. Atchley · Springdale, US
• Donald R. High · Noel, US
• Todd D. Mattingly · Bentonville, US
• John J. O'Brien · Farmington, US
• John F. Simon · Pembroke Pines, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 7, 2017
• Grant date: Apr 30, 2019
• Expiry date: Oct 17, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64U2201/00
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein for unmanned flight optimization. A system for unmanned flight comprises a set of motors configured to provide locomotion to an unmanned aerial vehicle, a set of wings coupled to a body of the unmanned aerial vehicle via an actuator and configured to move relative to the body of the unmanned aerial vehicle, a sensor system on the unmanned aerial vehicle, and a control circuit. The control circuit being configured to: retrieve a task profile for a task assigned to the unmanned aerial vehicle, cause the set of motors to lift the unmanned aerial vehicle, detect condition parameters based on the sensor system, determine a position for the set of wings based on the task profile and the condition parameters, and cause the actuator to move the set of wings to the wing position while the unmanned aerial vehicle is in flight.