Jeep is methods to combine drones with its automobiles, as latest patent filings point out.
One potential use Jeep is seeking to patent is off-road recognizing. As an alternative of an individual getting out of the car to survey the terrain forward and direct the driving force over the suitable line by way of obstacles, Jeep proposes deploying a drone from an in-vehicle docking station.
Jeep drone dock patent picture
As soon as the drone is deployed, it may possibly fly forward of the car and set up an information hyperlink, sending photos on to the car’s dashboard show to assist information the driving force, in accordance with the patent submitting.
A second patent software goes right into a bit extra element on the docking station for the drone. This may be positioned throughout the car’s inside, probably as a part of a middle console storage bin, the doc suggests. It will be geared up to cost the drone, and to ship indicators permitting the drone to undock and fly out of the car—maybe by way of an open sunroof.
Jeep drone dock patent picture
A 3rd patent submitting describes and different use for the drone itself. As an alternative of scouting forward for obstacles, the drone might function a safety escort for car occupants. The identical docking station and drone-to-vehicle knowledge hyperlink could possibly be used right here as properly, Jeep notes, however on this case the drone would observe a driver or passengers as they stroll away from or again to the car.
Jeep is not the primary automaker to come across the thought of mixing drones and off-roading. Each Rivian and Common Motors have filed patent purposes for drone scouting programs just like Jeep’s, though neither submitting mentioned utilizing drones as airborne sentries.
