GM engaged on drone-based off-road navigation system
- GM would possibly deploy drones to scout off-road trails forward of a car
- The drones might relay a advisable route again to the car
- Rivian’s filed a patent for a drone system to help with off-roading as effectively
Normal Motors desires to make use of drones to assist drivers navigate difficult terrain.
A GM patent utility for “drone-based off-road car routing” was revealed by the USA Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) June 13, 2024, after being filed by GM December 13, 2022. In it, GM discusses deploying a drone to fly forward of a car to scout the terrain, after which relaying a advisable route again to the motive force.
Normal Motors off-road navigation drone patent picture
The drone would have onboard sensors reminiscent of radar and lidar, with a knowledge hyperlink connecting it to the car, in accordance with the patent utility. In might think about issues like anticipated incline, strategy and departure angles, potential obstacles, the kind of floor forward, or any our bodies of water that may should be forded. It might even direct the motive force to their associates by linking to social media profiles, GM suggests.
In some circumstances, the drone may provide a number of route choices, sorted by diploma of issue. It is also used to estimate gasoline consumption or electrical vary to find out if a car will have the ability to make it to the vacation spot and again.
Normal Motors off-road navigation drone patent picture
The potential benefit of drones is that they are often flown effectively forward of the driver’s line of sight. They will additionally view the terrain forward in three dimensions and in actual time, not like in-vehicle maps for navigation programs that will not be up to date constantly. A drone is also used to accompany drivers in the event that they resolve to get out of their autos and hike, GM notes within the utility.
GM is not the one automaker pondering alongside these strains. Rivian has additionally tried to patent a drone system, which might additionally use radar and lidar to identify obstacles. Nonetheless, Rivian’s model seems to be meant for shorter-range use. As a substitute of scouting full routes, Rivian’s patent utility discusses utilizing drones as replacements for human spotters at significantly difficult obstacles.
