GM Innovates with Drones for Rugged Terrain Navigation

GM Patents Drone Technology to Enhance Off-Road Navigation

General Motors is looking to the skies to help drivers tackle challenging terrain with ease. The automotive giant recently filed a patent for a cutting-edge drone-based system designed to aid off-road navigation. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) published GM’s patent application for "Drone-Based Off-Road Vehicle Routing" on June 13, 2024. Filed on December 13, 2022, this inventive solution showcases GM’s commitment to integrating advanced technology into the driving experience.

How GM’s Drone System Works

According to the patent details, GM plans to deploy drones ahead of off-road vehicles to scout the path ahead. Equipped with sophisticated sensors like radar and LiDAR, these drones would send real-time data back to the vehicle, advising drivers on the most suitable routes. This aerial perspective offers a three-dimensional view of the terrain, providing an edge over conventional in-car navigation systems, which may lag in updates and lack real-time adaptability.

Moreover, the drone system can be customized to consider various environmental and vehicle-specific factors. These include expected pitch, approach and departure angles, road surface types, and potential obstacles like bodies of water. The drone can even integrate with social media profiles to help drivers find their friends’ locations, adding an element of social connectivity to off-road adventures.

Multiple Routes and Efficiency

One of the highlights of this technology is its capability to suggest multiple route options. The system can propose paths of varying difficulty levels, allowing drivers to choose according to their skill and comfort. Additionally, the drones could calculate fuel consumption and electric range estimates, ensuring that vehicles can safely reach their destinations and return without running out of power.

Beyond Driving Assistance

Interestingly, GM envisions their drones as more than just guides for vehicles. The patent mentions the possibility of the drone accompanying drivers on foot, providing valuable navigational data during hikes or other outdoor activities. This multipurpose use enhances the value proposition of the drone system, promising utility beyond traditional vehicular boundaries.

A Competitive Edge

GM isn’t the only player in the auto industry exploring drone technology for off-road navigation. Rivian, a notable competitor, has also patented a drone system using radar and LiDAR to spot obstacles. However, Rivian’s approach appears geared toward short-range assistance, mainly replacing human spotters at tricky points rather than mapping out entire routes.

Conclusion

GM’s innovative drone-based off-road navigation technology signifies a leap forward in integrating modern tech into the automotive world. By providing real-time, three-dimensional insights into challenging terrains, this system could revolutionize off-road adventures, making them safer and more enjoyable. As GM and other industry players like Rivian continue to explore these cutting-edge solutions, the future of off-road driving looks more exciting and technologically advanced than ever.

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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi