Stellantis Gets Patent For Jeep® Drone-Enhanced Off-Roading Tech

Stellantis has recently been granted a groundbreaking patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a method to control a vehicle as a function of data from a vehicle-based drone, marking a significant leap in automotive and drone technology. This innovation, first teased by Jeep® during the automaker’s EV Day 2021 Presentation, promises to integrate drone technology directly with vehicles, enhancing off-road capabilities and providing a new level of adventure for off-road enthusiasts.

The Concept Behind the Patent – 

At the core of the new patent is the concept of pairing a vehicle with an off-the-shelf drone that can autonomously follow the vehicle as it navigates various terrains. The vehicle’s Uconnect infotainment system will be integrated with the drone, displaying live video and real-time data from the drone’s perspective to the driver.

The system essentially allows the drone to act as an intelligent observer, continuously tracking the vehicle’s movements and relaying data that can be used to monitor the surroundings, assess obstacles, or even help with navigation. This “follow-me” functionality opens up new possibilities for capturing off-road adventures from a bird’s-eye view, providing a unique perspective on the driver’s journey.

How the Drone Integration Works – 

The key innovation in this patent is the way the drone and vehicle interact. The drone will use a combination of sensors, including GPS and visual tracking, to follow the vehicle. This system enables the drone to stay at a fixed distance behind the vehicle, adjusting its position dynamically based on the terrain and speed of the vehicle. The data collected by the drone — such as terrain type, obstacles, and weather conditions — will be transmitted to the vehicle’s infotainment system, giving the driver additional situational awareness.

In addition to providing a live video feed, the system could offer assistance to the driver in complex off-road scenarios. For example, the drone could highlight paths that are safer to follow, or warn of obstacles like large rocks or sudden drops that might not be visible from the driver’s seat. By integrating this technology with the vehicle’s onboard systems, drivers will have access to real-time guidance and enhanced control over their off-road journey.

Key Elements of the System – 

Vehicle with Autonomous or Human-Controlled Modes: Depending on the mode selected, the vehicle can operate autonomously or with human control. In autonomous mode, the vehicle control system uses data from both onboard and remote sources to control the vehicle’s path and speed. In human-controlled mode, the driver receives data for navigation assistance.

Navigation Data: The vehicle receives primary navigation data from onboard sensors (e.g., GPS, cameras, LIDAR, RADAR) and remote systems, including telematics that provide real-time map data, road conditions, traffic information, weather forecasts, and more. These data sources help plot a path to a destination and navigate in various environments.

Role of the Drone: The drone can detach from the vehicle and fly to gather additional secondary navigation data. This data may include information about obstacles, terrain, or traffic conditions that are not visible to the vehicle’s sensors due to obstructions. The drone helps navigate in situations where primary data is inadequate, such as in weak GPS signal areas or when onboard sensors are blocked or malfunctioning.

Types of Data Collected – 

Primary Navigation Data: This data comes from onboard sensors and remote systems. It includes GPS data, traffic information, weather conditions, road maps, and other key information that helps the vehicle navigate safely.

Secondary Navigation Data: Gathers information from the vehicle’s surroundings, including obstacles, terrain conditions, and other situational data that primary sensors might miss due to physical barriers or poor sensor visibility.

Autonomous Drone Control: The drone can be autonomously controlled by the vehicle control system or manually by a human operator. The drone collects data from the environment and relays it back to the vehicle, assisting the vehicle in decision-making, particularly in challenging conditions like navigating rough terrain or avoiding obstacles.

Real-Time Feedback: The drone provides real-time data to the vehicle’s control system or driver. This may include video or imagery of the vehicle’s surroundings, helping navigate through tight spaces, around obstacles, or through hazardous conditions.

Drone Features – 

• Sensors: The drone is equipped with various sensors (e.g., object detection, wind sensors, GPS, cameras) that help it operate safely and efficiently. These sensors ensure that the drone avoids collisions and provides accurate data for navigation.
• Tethered and Untethered Operation: The drone can operate either in a tethered mode (connected to the vehicle) or untethered mode, where it flies freely and sends data wirelessly to the vehicle.
• Rechargeable Base: The drone is stored and recharged on the vehicle when not in use. The base includes a retention mechanism to keep the drone secure and a power supply to recharge its battery.

Autonomous Vehicle and Human Driver Interaction – 

The system allows for a seamless transition between fully autonomous driving and human intervention. The drone’s secondary navigation data can be provided to the driver when human control is necessary or when specific navigation information is needed.

Operational Process – 

• Assessment: The vehicle system first determines if secondary navigation data is needed.
• Drone Deployment: If required, the drone is deployed to gather secondary data sent to the vehicle’s control system.
• Vehicle Operation: The vehicle either autonomously uses the data for navigation or presents it to the driver for manual operation.
• Drone Return: Once the data is collected, or when necessary, the drone returns to the vehicle and re-docks for recharge or further use.

Scenarios of Use – 

• Rough Terrain Navigation: For example, when navigating steep declines or obstacles like boulders, the drone provides real-time feedback, enabling precise control over the vehicle’s movement.
• Obstructed Views: In areas with poor sensor visibility (e.g., due to physical obstructions), the drone offers an aerial perspective that allows the vehicle to avoid collisions and better plan its path.
• Complex Environments: In situations like urban environments with heavy traffic or construction zones, the drone helps by offering real-time aerial insights to assist with route planning and obstacle avoidance.

The Future Timeline – 

Stellantis has suggested that this technology could be implemented by 2025, although the company has also indicated that fully autonomous off-road driving, where the vehicle is entirely self-guided without driver intervention, could become a reality by 2030. The patent provides a solid foundation for further development, but Jeep has emphasized the concept of “autonomous-capable” vehicles, meaning that drivers will retain the option to take control when desired.

The integration of the drone’s data feed into the vehicle’s Uconnect system would provide drivers with the option to monitor both the vehicle’s surroundings and the drone’s position from the comfort of the dashboard. This system would be ideal for drivers who want to document their off-road adventures or track their vehicle’s progress without worrying about losing sight of it in rugged terrain.

A New Era of Off-Road Adventure – 

Stellantis’ patent for drone integration signals a future where vehicles and drones work together seamlessly, transforming how drivers experience off-roading. By combining real-time data with intuitive controls, this system will help drivers stay safe and informed during their off-road journeys while also offering an entirely new way to document their adventures.

As the patent moves through development, Jeep and Stellantis are poised to bring drone technology to a whole new level, offering off-road enthusiasts a unique blend of convenience, safety, and excitement. The future of off-roading could very well be defined by the integration of smart drones, offering a smarter and more immersive driving experience for adventurers in years to come.