Autonomous Robots for Specialized Terrain Farming

Publication ID: 24-11856882_0009_PTD

Published: October 26, 2025

Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Autonomous Robots for Specialized Terrain Farming,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856882_0009_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856882_0009_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 disclosed an autonomous robot system for farming operations on steep terrain. However, it did not address the unique challenges and requirements of specialized farming environments. This new invention addresses these limitations by adapting the autonomous robot system for specific, narrow markets or unique operational environments.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel and non-obvious adaptations of the original autonomous robot system for specialized farming environments. These adaptations include the use of specialized fuel blends, oxygen supplies, fire-suppression systems, and advanced surveillance and encryption systems, which are not disclosed in the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include the use of different types of drones and UAVs, such as fixed-wing or rotary-wing drones, or the integration of additional sensors and monitoring systems. Variations of the invention could also include the use of different fuel sources, such as solar power or hydrogen fuel cells.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The invention has significant commercial potential in various industries, including agriculture, disaster relief, and environmental conservation. The target market includes farmers and agricultural companies operating in specialized environments, as well as government agencies and non-profit organizations involved in disaster relief and environmental conservation.

CPC Classifications

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

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Agricultural robotics and autonomous systems for terrain-based agricultural operations, with expertise in drone technologies, terrain navigation, and remote agricultural service systems

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A robotics engineer with advanced degrees in agricultural engineering or robotics, experienced in autonomous vehicle design, sensor integration, and adaptive agricultural technologies with knowledge of drone systems and terrain-adaptive robotics

Obviousness Rationale

A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the source patent's autonomous farming drone system provides a foundational framework that can be readily adapted to specialized environmental conditions. The PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the original autonomous robotic farming concept by applying known engineering techniques to address specific operational challenges. The core technological principles of autonomous drone-based farming remain consistent across the disclosed variations, with modifications representing standard design adaptations for different operational contexts.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Ground-based drones performing farming operations on steep terrain

PTD Variation

Drones adapted for high-altitude regions with specialized fuel and oxygen supplies

Obviousness Reasoning

Extending drone operational capabilities to extreme environments is a predictable engineering solution using known altitude compensation techniques

Source Patent Element

Autonomous drone servicing methods including battery replacement and refueling

PTD Variation

Advanced surveillance and encryption systems for secure drone operations

Obviousness Reasoning

Integrating security protocols into autonomous robotic systems represents a standard design enhancement for mission-critical technological platforms

Source Patent Element

Unmanned aerial vehicles supporting ground-based farming drones

PTD Variation

UAV-based disaster relief farming in inaccessible terrain

Obviousness Reasoning

Repurposing existing drone technologies for emergency agricultural support represents a logical and foreseeable technological adaptation

Source Patent Element

Autonomous farming system with multiple drone types

PTD Variation

Fire-suppression equipped drones for wildfire-prone agricultural regions

Obviousness Reasoning

Adding environmental protection capabilities to existing robotic systems is a predictable engineering solution using known sensor and suppression technologies

Source Patent Element

Drone-based farming operations on challenging terrain

PTD Variation

Remote supply transportation and crop management in areas with limited infrastructure

Obviousness Reasoning

Expanding drone functionality to include logistical support represents a natural technological progression using established robotic mobility principles

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11856882 for autonomous robotic farming systems, the present disclosure demonstrates that the claimed variations would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in agricultural robotics at the time of invention. The disclosed adaptations represent predictable engineering solutions that extend the foundational autonomous drone farming concept through standard technological modifications, thereby rendering subsequent claims obvious and non-patentable.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,856,882
Title	Autonomous robot system for steep terrain farming operations
Assignee(s)	Kansas Stte University Research Foundation