Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Autonomous Drone Tech: Multi-Industry Terrain Navigation

Publication ID: 24-11856882_0002_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Autonomous Drone Tech: Multi-Industry Terrain Navigation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856882_0002_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856882_0002_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,856,882.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Autonomous robot system for steep terrain farming operations,' demonstrated the feasibility of autonomous robots in steep terrain farming. However, its scope was limited to agricultural applications. This new invention addresses the problem of applying the core technology to entirely different industries, unlocking new use cases and applications.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new invention's novelty lies in its expansion of the original patent's technology to new, non-agricultural applications. The inventive step is the adaptation of the autonomous drone system to operate in diverse industries, addressing unique challenges and providing innovative solutions.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include modifying the drone design for specific industries, integrating additional sensors or tools, or developing new UAV servicing protocols. Variations may also include incorporating machine learning algorithms for data analysis, integrating with existing infrastructure, or developing hybrid systems combining autonomous drones with manned vehicles.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The invention has significant commercial potential in various industries, including environmental monitoring, disaster response, infrastructure inspection, search and rescue, and wildlife conservation. The target market includes government agencies, private companies, and organizations operating in these fields, seeking to leverage autonomous drone technology for improved efficiency, safety, and decision-making.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A01 A01B69/008
B B64 B64C39/02
G G01 G01C21/3461
G G01 G01C21/3469
G G05 G05D1/101
G G05 G05D2201/0201

Field of Art

Autonomous robotic systems for terrain navigation, environmental monitoring, and remote operations, spanning agricultural robotics, drone technology, and multi-vehicle autonomous systems

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with expertise in robotics, autonomous systems design, sensor integration, and multi-vehicle coordination, typically holding a master's or PhD in robotics, mechanical engineering, or computer science with 3-5 years of industry experience in autonomous vehicle development

Obviousness Rationale

The source patent's autonomous drone system for steep terrain farming provides a foundational technical framework that a skilled practitioner would readily recognize as adaptable to multiple domain-specific applications. The core technical innovations of terrain-navigating autonomous drones with UAV support are directly transferable across industries. A PHOSITA would understand that the fundamental technological challenges of steep terrain navigation, autonomous operation, and inter-vehicle servicing are consistent across different operational contexts.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Ground-based drone capable of operating on terrain with grades of at least 10%
PTD Variation
Adapting drone platform for infrastructure inspection on steep terrain like bridges and mountainous regions
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable extension of existing terrain navigation capabilities, requiring minimal design modifications to sensor packages and locomotion systems
Source Patent Element
Unmanned aerial vehicles used for servicing and supporting ground drones
PTD Variation
Utilizing UAVs for data offloading and consumables replenishment in disaster response scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of aerial support vehicles, directly applicable to emergency management with minimal conceptual innovation
Source Patent Element
Autonomous robotic system with sensor integration for environmental monitoring
PTD Variation
Wildlife conservation monitoring using networked drones with environmental data collection capabilities
Obviousness Reasoning
Obvious design choice leveraging existing sensor technologies and autonomous coordination methods
Source Patent Element
Method for performing autonomous operations on challenging terrain
PTD Variation
Search and rescue operations using networked drones capable of navigating steep and difficult landscapes
Obviousness Reasoning
Straightforward application of existing autonomous navigation and inter-vehicle communication technologies
Source Patent Element
Drone servicing protocols involving battery replacement and consumables management
PTD Variation
Developing standardized servicing protocols for multi-domain autonomous drone networks
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable systemization of existing drone support technologies across different operational contexts
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11856882's comprehensive disclosure of autonomous robotic systems for steep terrain navigation, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the proposed variations in technical application obvious and lacking inventive step. The fundamental technological approach of terrain-adaptable autonomous drones with inter-vehicle support represents a predictable engineering solution readily extensible across multiple domains, thereby rendering subsequent claims of novelty non-patentable under standard obviousness analysis.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,856,882
TitleAutonomous robot system for steep terrain farming operations
Assignee(s)Kansas Stte University Research Foundation