A multi-rotor vehicle includes a plurality of electric motors and edge computing systems (ECSs). The electric motors are operatively coupled to respective rotors, and cause the respective rotors to rotate relative to the airframe. The ECSs are independent, distinct and distributed to the electric motors, each operatively coupled to a respective electric motor and thereby a respective rotor. Each ECS is configured to acquire and process sensor data for the respective rotor to determine rotor status information, and execute motor commands to control the respective electric motor and thereby the respective rotor. The ECSs are configured according to a model in which any of the ECSs is selectable as a primary ECS, and others of the ECSs are operable as secondary ECSs, the secondary ECSs configured to communicate respective rotor status information to the primary ECS, and the primary ECS configured to provide the motor commands to the secondary ECSs.