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Amazon isn’t just thinking about delivery with its drones. The new patent made public this week reveals an idea for a drone-powered towing system designed for skiers, surfers, skaters, and more.
“While there are various known uses for unmanned aerial vehicles, certain techniques for controlling the unmanned aerial vehicles are relatively limiting with respect to other uses,” according to the patent filing, originally filed in June 2016. “For example, current hand-operated remote controls for automated aerial vehicles are not conducive to users being able to operate the remote controls while simultaneously utilizing their hands for other purposes.”
The concept is not entirely novel. Companies such as Freefly Systems and other creative minds have hacked together something similar.
Amazon’s idea is focused on the interactions between the automated drone system and the user. It includes features that would allow a user to summon the drone to their location. The drone would also be able to detect and avoid obstacles in the travel path of a user and/or tow line. “For example, when a user is snow skiing in a mountainous area, a designated travel area may be determined that avoids cliffs or other dangerous areas,” the filing notes. The drone could even lift a user in the air.
Listed on the patent is Amazon exec Gur Kimchi, who previously led the company’s Prime Air division for seven years before transitioning this past March. He was replaced by former Boeing exec David Carbon.
Source: Geek Wire