Autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle with folding collapsible arms

Abstract

Autonomous aerial vehicle technology and, more specifically, autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles with folding collapsible arms are described. In some embodiments, a UAV includes a central body, a plurality of rotor arms, and a plurality of hinge mechanisms is. The plurality of rotor arms each include a rotor unit at a distal end of the rotor arm. The rotor units are configured to provide propulsion for the UAV. The plurality of hinge mechanisms mechanically attach (or couple) proximal ends of the plurality of rotor arms to the central body. Each hinge mechanism is configured to rotate a respective rotor arm of the plurality of rotor arms about an axis of rotation that is at an oblique angle relative to a vertical median plane of the central body to transition between an extended state and a folded state.