Autonomous Robots: Multi-Industry Terrain Navigation Tech

Publication ID: 24-11856882_0007_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Autonomous Robots: Multi-Industry Terrain Navigation Tech,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856882_0007_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856882_0007_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 addressed the limitations of conventional farming equipment on steep terrain. However, the core technology of autonomous robots and UAVs can be adapted to tackle similar challenges in other industries, where terrain, accessibility, or safety constraints hinder human intervention. The present invention solves the problem of applying this technology to new, high-impact areas.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel applications of the core technology, extending its reach to new industries and use cases. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the autonomous robot system to address specific challenges in each industrial sector, demonstrating a non-obvious expansion of the original patent's scope.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include varying drone and UAV designs, tailored to specific industrial environments. Variations could also involve different sensor configurations, communication protocols, or power sources, ensuring broad conceptual coverage and adaptability to diverse industrial settings.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The invention has significant commercial potential in various industries, including renewable energy, oil and gas, forestry, electrical transmission, and environmental monitoring. The target market includes companies seeking to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance safety in these sectors, with potential for widespread adoption and growth.

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 remote operations, specifically involving drone and UAV technologies for industrial monitoring, inspection, and maintenance across diverse terrain and environmental conditions

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with expertise in robotics, autonomous systems, sensor integration, and multi-drone coordination, possessing knowledge of drone design, communication protocols, and industrial monitoring techniques

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental technical framework of the source patent's autonomous robotic system as readily adaptable to multiple industrial contexts. The core technical principles of drone coordination, servicing mechanisms, and autonomous operation are transferable across different operational environments. The PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the original autonomous robotic system concept by applying known drone technologies to alternative industrial inspection and maintenance scenarios.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Ground-based and aerial drones performing autonomous farming operations on steep terrain
PTD Variation
Drones performing autonomous inspection and maintenance of wind turbine blades
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable application of existing drone coordination and servicing techniques to a structurally similar industrial monitoring environment requiring precise robotic navigation
Source Patent Element
Drone servicing via battery replacement and refueling mechanisms
PTD Variation
UAVs servicing inspection drones with replacement batteries and communication equipment
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of drone fleet maintenance, representing a straightforward technical adaptation of the source patent's servicing methodology
Source Patent Element
Autonomous robotic system with sensor-equipped ground drones
PTD Variation
Drones equipped with sensors for detecting pipeline defects or transmission line faults
Obviousness Reasoning
Obvious implementation of sensor integration techniques, applying standard industrial monitoring principles to different infrastructure inspection contexts
Source Patent Element
Multi-drone system with coordinated operational capabilities
PTD Variation
Network of drones for detecting and tracking environmental phenomena like wildfires and pollution
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable extension of drone coordination technologies to alternative monitoring scenarios with similar technical requirements
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11856882, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the disclosed autonomous robotic system variations obvious, as they represent predictable technical adaptations of known drone coordination, servicing, and monitoring methodologies across diverse industrial contexts. The variations demonstrate no inventive step beyond the fundamental technical framework established in the source patent, thus rendering potential claims in this domain obvious and unpatentable.

Original Patent Information

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