IBM patents a drone to monitor pets

High technology is increasingly penetrating our lives. This phenomenon has both positive and negative sides. Positive, probably, still more, because if it were not for modern technologies, it would be much more difficult to live. New devices of different types appear literally every day, if not every hour. IBM is one of the leaders in the development of new technologies and devices. For several years in a row, the company has held the lead in the number of patents received.

Recently, a new patent was filed - this time on a device that is aimed at the residential sector, and not at the corporate one. We are talking about an unmanned aerial vehicle that should work as a robot, looking after pets. The drone can feed, train animals and see to it that they do not turn the whole house upside down in the absence of the owner.

Drone will be able to provide the owner with the ability to independently monitor everything that happens. So, the device is equipped with cameras and microphones. Data on a closed communication channel is transmitted to the owner. You won't surprise anyone with the cameras themselves, but the patented device is more than just a surveillance system.
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For example, the device can analyze the behavior of animals. If something goes wrong (for example, the cat is tearing off the sofa casing or the dog is nibbling on the TV remote), the owner receives a warning. With the help of the drone, he can direct the activity of the animal in the right direction, or try to convince the dog or cat to stop behaving oddly. The point is that the owner can give the appropriate command using the built-in speakers in the robot.

The system will also be equipped with a temperature sensor that will check if the animal is freezing.

In order to keep the pet always full, the drone will also be equipped with a smart feeder control system - a container with an automatic supply of delicious food. If necessary, the robot can play with the animal with a ball or execute another command. If desired, the owner of the drone can be connected to a smart collar for more opportunities.


Image from an IBM patent listing functions and features of a drone

Among other functions of the drone, it is possible to control the robot with home appliances, including thermostats, smart feeders, doors, etc. For example, if the animal needs to go to the toilet, the drone can activate the door so that the pet can exit. If we are talking about a private house with a door for the animal to freely exit from the room, then the system can also squeeze in there to observe the actions of the pet owner in the backyard or nature.

If the pet owner misses, he can talk to the pet on the phone or tablet using video and audio.

When can such a device appear? The appearance of a patent does not necessarily imply the realization of an idea. But there is a fairly high probability that such a system will still be born. The patent shows "the ability of a company to use knowledge of drones to use this experience in a field such as caring for animals, for example."