Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Robotic Arm Positioning System for Diverse Industries

Publication ID: 24-11857149_0002_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Robotic Arm Positioning System for Diverse Industries,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857149_0002_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857149_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. 11,857,149.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A versatile robotic arm positioning system leveraging optical sensor technology for precise tracking and control, adaptable to various industries beyond medical devices.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a surgical robotic system with target trajectory deviation monitoring. However, its application was limited to medical devices. The new inventive concept addresses the need for a more versatile system, capable of being applied to different industries, such as agriculture, infrastructure inspection, material handling, search and rescue, and wind turbine maintenance.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises a robotic arm, an optical sensor system, and a control system. The robotic arm is configured to position a tool or end-effector with respect to a target, such as a crop, infrastructure, storage location, search area, or wind turbine component. The optical sensor system generates position information, which is used by the control system to move the robotic arm to a target trajectory relative to the target. The system can receive user input to move the tool to the target trajectory, lock its position, or adjust its movement based on first and second position information.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce the innovative application of the core technology to diverse industries, expanding its potential use cases beyond medical devices. The inventive step lies in adapting the original system's components and operation to address the unique challenges and requirements of these new industries.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include using different types of sensors, such as lidar or radar, or integrating the system with other technologies, like computer vision or machine learning. Variations may involve adjusting the robotic arm's design or the control system's algorithms to accommodate specific industry needs.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including agriculture, infrastructure inspection, material handling, search and rescue, and wind turbine maintenance. The system's versatility and adaptability make it an attractive solution for companies seeking to improve efficiency, accuracy, and safety in their operations.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B34/30
A A61 A61B17/00
A A61 A61B17/7082
A A61 A61B34/20
A A61 A61B34/74
A A61 A61B17/1757
A A61 A61B2017/00075
A A61 A61B2017/00119
A A61 A61B2017/00477
A A61 A61B2017/00486
A A61 A61B2017/00699
A A61 A61B2034/107
A A61 A61B2034/2055
A A61 A61B2034/2068
A A61 A61B2034/2072
A A61 A61B2090/376
A A61 A61B2090/3762
A A61 A61B2090/3764
A A61 A61B2090/3966
A A61 A61B2090/3983
A A61 A61F2/4611
A A61 A61F2002/4632

Field of Art

Robotic systems with precision positioning and control, particularly in medical, industrial, and automation domains. Requires expertise in robotics, sensor integration, motion control systems, and interdisciplinary application of tracking technologies

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with advanced degree in robotics, mechanical engineering, or mechatronics, possessing knowledge of sensor systems, robotic arm kinematics, control algorithms, and cross-industry technological adaptation strategies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the core technical principles of precise robotic positioning using optical sensor tracking are fundamentally transferable across different industrial contexts. The source patent's surgical robotic system provides a generalized framework for position-controlled robotic manipulation that can be readily adapted to alternative domains by substituting specific end-effectors and target environments. The systematic approach of receiving sensor position data, controlling robotic arm trajectory, and enabling user interaction represents a generalizable technological solution applicable beyond medical contexts.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Optical sensor system for tracking robotic arm position relative to anatomical location
PTD Variation
Adapting optical sensor tracking to agricultural harvesting, infrastructure inspection, warehouse logistics, search and rescue, and wind turbine maintenance
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of sensor-guided robotic positioning, with predictable results achievable through standard engineering design modifications
Source Patent Element
User input mechanism for controlling robotic arm trajectory
PTD Variation
Implementing trajectory control interfaces for different industrial contexts with specialized target environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Finite set of interaction paradigms that would be obvious to implement across different robotic control scenarios
Source Patent Element
Remote sensor system generating position information for robotic arm control
PTD Variation
Substituting medical imaging sensors with alternative sensing technologies like lidar, radar, or computer vision systems
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable variation using known sensor technologies with established integration techniques
Source Patent Element
Robotic arm configured to position a surgical end-effector
PTD Variation
Replacing surgical end-effector with industry-specific tools like harvesting implements, inspection sensors, material handling devices
Obviousness Reasoning
Design choice demonstrating interchangeability of robotic arm end-effectors across different application domains
Source Patent Element
Position locking and trajectory monitoring mechanisms
PTD Variation
Implementing position control and trajectory deviation monitoring in non-medical robotic systems
Obviousness Reasoning
Generalized control strategy with predictable implementation across diverse robotic platforms
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857149's disclosure of robotic positioning systems, the present publication demonstrates that a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the extension of sensor-guided robotic control to diverse industrial contexts an obvious technological adaptation. The systematic approach of optical tracking, trajectory control, and user interaction represents a generalizable solution rendering subsequent claims of industry-specific implementations prima facie obvious.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,149
TitleSurgical robotic systems with target trajectory deviation monitoring and related methods
Assignee(s)Globus Medical, Inc.