公开(公告)号：US11782457B2

公开(公告)日：2023-10-10

申请号：US17887721

申请日：2022-08-15

Applicant: Workhorse Group Inc.

Inventor： Elliot T. Bokeno ,  Thaddeus M. Bort, Jr. ,  Stephen S. Burns ,  Martin Rucidlo ,  Wei Wei ,  Donald L Wires

IPC: G05D1/10 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64F1/36 ,  B60L53/53 ,  B60L53/00 ,  B64U10/13 ,  B64U50/15 ,  B64U70/00 ,  B64U80/86 ,  B64U101/60

CPC classification number: G05D1/102 ,  B60L53/53 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64F1/362 ,  B60L53/00 ,  B60L2200/10 ,  B60L2200/36 ,  B60L2240/622 ,  B64U10/13 ,  B64U50/15 ,  B64U70/00 ,  B64U80/86 ,  B64U2101/60 ,  B64U2201/10 ,  Y02T10/7072 ,  Y02T10/72 ,  Y02T90/14 ,  Y02T90/16

Abstract: Methods and associated systems for autonomous package delivery utilize a UAS/UAV, an infrared positioning senor, and a docking station integrated with a package delivery vehicle. The UAS/UAV accepts a package for delivery from the docking station on the delivery vehicle and uploads the delivery destination. The UAS/UAV autonomously launches from its docked position on the delivery vehicle. The UAS/UAV autonomously flies to the delivery destination by means of GPS navigation. The UAS/UAV is guided in final delivery by means of a human supervised live video feed from the UAS/UAV. The UAS/UAV is assisted in the descent and delivery of the parcel by precision sensors and if necessary by means of remote human control. The UAS/UAV autonomously returns to the delivery vehicle by means of GPS navigation and precision sensors. The UAS/UAV autonomously docks with the delivery vehicle for recharging and preparation for the next delivery sequence.