Stellantis has registered a patent for a drone that accompanies a Jeep vehicle off-road
Stellantis, Jeep's parent company, has been granted a USPTO patent in the US for integrating drones into SUVs. The technology, first unveiled in concept form at Jeep EV Day 2021, promises to take off-roading to the next level. The basic idea is that a UAV will accompany the vehicle while travelling over rough terrain.
Here's How It Works
The UAV connects to the car via the Uconnect system and then follows it around, streaming live bird's-eye video directly to the multimedia system screen. The video attached below shows such integration at the 2:06 time mark.
Key features:
- "Follow-me" mode: the drone automatically follows the vehicle at a fixed distance, adjusting its position based on speed and terrain.
- Assistance with difficult manoeuvres: the drone can suggest safe routes, warn of hidden obstacles (e.g. rocks or cliffs) and even recommend optimal routes.
The data is expected to be transmitted via Wi-Fi. When not in use, the drone is stored in a special base on the vehicle, where it is also charged.
In 2021, Stellantis planned to bring this feature to the market in mid-2025, and by 2030 make it possible to drive cross-country in fully autonomous mode.
Source: Mopar Insiders
