Autonomous aerial vehicle for lighting inspection and replacement and methods for use therewith

Abstract

An autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV) includes a plurality of lightbulb changers and an actuator for controlling the plurality of lightbulb changers. A structure database stores structure data corresponding to a structure, the structure data including coordinate data corresponding to three-dimensional coordinates of a location that facilitates an unobstructed view of a plurality of exterior lights of the structure, the structure data further including schematic data that indicates positions on the structure of the plurality of exterior lights. A flight control system controls a position of the AAV, based on the coordinate data, to the location that facilitates the unobstructed view of the plurality of exterior lights of the structure. A camera captures image data corresponding to the unobstructed view of the plurality of exterior lights of the structure. A processor controls the AAV to perform a lighting inspection procedure and/or a lightbulb replacement process.