Colorado Patent of the Month – February 2025
Lunar Outpost has pioneered a groundbreaking robotic vehicle designed to autonomously detect and pinpoint sources of interest, such as gas leaks, with unparalleled precision. This innovative invention combines advanced robotics, sensor technology, and machine learning to revolutionize environmental monitoring and industrial safety. At its core, the robotic vehicle features a robust frame equipped with electric drive motors, wheels, and motor controllers, enabling it to navigate challenging terrains autonomously. A key innovation is the extendable and retractable mast assembly, which houses a gas detection sensor at its upper end. This mast allows the vehicle to gather sensor readings at varying heights, providing critical three-dimensional data to accurately locate leaks in complex environments like oil and gas facilities.
The vehicle’s central computer serves as the brain of the operation, executing sophisticated algorithms for navigation, path planning, and source detection. Equipped with a linear quadratic estimation algorithm, the system fuses data from multiple sensors, including RTK GPS and IMU units, to precisely track the vehicle’s location and orientation. The integration of a GPU accelerates tasks like environmental mapping and neural model training, enhancing the vehicle’s ability to process and analyze data in real time. Additionally, the vehicle employs a gradient descent model to refine its search, moving toward areas with higher gas concentrations until the source is pinpointed.
What sets this invention apart is its dual-mode operation. In “search mode,” the vehicle follows a predetermined path, raising and lowering the mast to collect data. Once a potential leak is detected, it switches to “exploration mode,” focusing on areas with sparse data to build a comprehensive model of the leak’s origin. This iterative process, powered by machine learning, ensures accurate and reliable detection. The vehicle also features an external network gateway, enabling seamless data transfer to remote devices for real-time monitoring and analysis.
Lunar Outpost’s robotic vehicle is not just a technological marvel; it’s a solution to a pressing environmental challenge. By autonomously detecting methane leaks, it reduces reliance on manual inspections, minimizes human exposure to hazardous environments, and enhances operational efficiency. This invention represents a significant leap forward in environmental stewardship and industrial safety, showcasing the transformative potential of robotics and AI in addressing real-world problems.
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