Laser-guided debris-targeting robotic pool cleaner
This technology turns a robotic swimming pool cleaner into a smart, vision-guided machine. A camera mounted on the cleaner captures underwater images, corrects for the visual distortions water creates, and measures how far away dirt and debris actually are. The onboard controller uses that distance data to plan an efficient cleaning route rather than wandering randomly, and it keeps track of what has already been cleaned. The result is a pool robot that cleans more thoroughly and wastes less time and energy than conventional timer-based or random-path machines.
What you could build
A premium robotic pool cleaner with computer-vision-guided navigation, sold to residential pool owners or commercial pool operators (hotels, aquatic centers) who want faster, more thorough cleaning with lower energy consumption and less manual oversight.
Who in Virginia should care
Pool equipment distributors, smart-home appliance brands, or defense/marine robotics contractors in Virginia with underwater autonomy capabilities would be natural partners or licensees.
Readiness: Prototype likely
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Alexander Leonessa, Christopher H. Cain, Brian Boothe
- Granted
- June 29, 2021
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 11047146
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.