– Jeep is looking at ways to integrate drones with its vehicles, as recent patent filings indicate. One possible use Jeep is looking to patent is off-road spotting. Instead of a person getting out of the vehicle to survey the terrain ahead and direct the driver over the appropriate line through obstacles, Jeep proposes deploying a drone from an in-vehicle docking station.
Once the drone is deployed, it can fly ahead of the vehicle and establish a data link, sending images directly to the vehicle’s dashboard display to help guide the driver, according to the patent filing.
Jeep drone dock patent image
A second patent application goes into a bit more detail on the docking station for the drone. This would be located within the vehicle’s interior, possibly as part of a center console storage bin, the document suggests. It would be equipped to charge the drone, and to send signals allowing the drone to undock and fly out of the vehicle – presumably through an open sunroof.
Jeep drone dock patent image
A third patent filing describes and alternative use for the drone itself. Instead of scouting ahead for obstacles, the drone could serve as a security escort for vehicle occupants. The same docking station and drone-to-vehicle data link could be used here as well, Jeep notes, but in this case the drone would follow a driver or passengers as they walk away from or back to the vehicle.
Jeep isn’t the first automaker to hit upon the idea of combining drones and off-roading. Both Rivian and General Motors have filed patent applications for drone scouting systems similar to Jeep’s, although neither filing discussed using drones as airborne sentries.
Photo: Jeep Wrangler Magneto 2-0-concept–2022 Moab Easter Jeep Safari
Source: Motor Authority