GM would possibly deploy drones to scout off-road trails forward of a car
The drones may relay a advisable route again to the car
Rivian’s filed a patent for a drone system to help with off-roading as effectively
Normal Motors desires to make use of drones to assist drivers navigate difficult terrain.
A GM patent software for “drone-based off-road car routing” was revealed by the US Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) June 13, 2024, after being filed by GM December 13, 2022. In it, GM discusses deploying a drone to fly forward of a car to scout the terrain, after which relaying a advisable route again to the motive force.
Normal Motors off-road navigation drone patent picture
The drone would have onboard sensors reminiscent of radar and lidar, with an information hyperlink connecting it to the car, in response to the patent software. In may think about issues like anticipated incline, strategy and departure angles, potential obstacles, the kind of floor forward, or any our bodies of water that may must be forded. It may even direct the motive force to their mates by linking to social media profiles, GM suggests.
In some instances, the drone may additionally supply a number of route choices, sorted by diploma of problem. It is also used to estimate gasoline consumption or electrical vary to find out if a car will be capable to make it to the vacation spot and again.
Normal Motors off-road navigation drone patent picture
The potential benefit of drones is that they are often flown effectively forward of the motive force’s line of sight. They’ll additionally view the terrain forward in three dimensions and in actual time, not like in-vehicle maps for navigation programs that will not be up to date constantly. A drone is also used to accompany drivers in the event that they resolve to get out of their autos and hike, GM notes within the software.
GM is not the one automaker considering alongside these strains. Rivian has additionally tried to patent a drone system, which might additionally use radar and lidar to identify obstacles. Nonetheless, Rivian’s model seems to be meant for shorter-range use. As an alternative of scouting full routes, Rivian’s patent software discusses utilizing drones as replacements for human spotters at significantly tough obstacles.
