South Carolina Patent of the Month – August 2024

Drobot Inc,, a software development firm in stealth mode, has patented a machine learning – based control for autonomous vehicle navigation. At the heart of this invention is a robust system that employs ultrawideband (UWB) technology to continuously track the position of an autonomous vehicle in real time. By utilizing coordinates such as Cartesian, polar, and cylindrical, the system generates a sequence of waypoints that form a virtually approved path for the vehicle to follow.

What sets this technology apart is its dynamic adaptability. The vehicle’s position is constantly updated through wireless communication between the vehicle’s transceiver and strategically placed UWB anchors. This real-time feedback allows the system to issue timely control commands, ensuring that the vehicle remains on course. The innovation doesn’t stop at merely guiding the vehicle—it actively prevents collisions. By adjusting the vehicle’s trajectory when an obstacle or another vehicle is detected, Drobot’s system guarantees both safety and efficiency.

A key feature is the user-friendly interface, which allows operators to interact with the environment’s digital floor plan, easily defining paths and adjusting waypoints. This flexibility minimizes the programming time traditionally required in autonomous vehicle operations. In environments where adaptability and precision are critical, this invention holds immense potential for industries such as warehousing, manufacturing, and even healthcare, where autonomous systems must navigate dynamic spaces without error.

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