California Patent of the Month – August 2025
A new patent from Built Robotics Inc. introduces a major safety advance for autonomous construction. The invention, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 12399502, titled ‘Obstacle map for autonomous pile driving system,’ allows construction robots to work together more safely. The system enables a fleet of autonomous off-road vehicles (AOVs) to share real-time data. This creates a constantly updated obstacle map. The map reflects a dynamic worksite. Each vehicle uses this shared information to operate with precision.
Enhanced Site Safety
An autonomous vehicle installs a new pile. It then immediately adds the new pile’s location to a shared obstacle map. This is a crucial step. Other robots on the job site receive this updated information. They use the map to avoid the new pile. This prevents collisions. The system can also detect non-pile obstacles. It adds them to the map as well. This creates a safer environment for machines and workers alike.
Smarter Collaboration
This invention enables a truly collaborative fleet of robots. An AOV can autonomously stop an operation. It does this when it determines a task cannot be completed. It can then notify a human operator. This intelligent communication streamlines construction. It reduces the need for human intervention. The technology provides a new layer of control and coordination. It marks a significant milestone for the autonomous construction industry.
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The Research & Experimentation Tax Credit (or R&D Tax Credit), is a general business tax credit under Internal Revenue Code section 41 for companies that incur research and development (R&D) costs in the United States. The credits are a tax incentive for performing qualified research in the United States, resulting in a credit to a tax return. For the first three years of R&D claims, 6% of the total qualified research expenses (QRE) form the gross credit. In the 4th year of claims and beyond, a base amount is calculated, and an adjusted expense line is multiplied times 14%. Click here to learn more.
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