Laser range-guided autonomous pool cleaning robot
This technology equips a robotic pool cleaner with a laser-based distance sensor that tells the machine how far away walls, steps, or other obstacles are. Two parallel laser lines are projected onto whatever is in front of the cleaner, a camera captures the image, and software calculates the physical distance by measuring how far apart those lines appear in the photo. The result is a pool cleaner that can navigate more intelligently by knowing its exact proximity to surfaces rather than bumping into them or relying on simple contact sensors.
What you could build
A smarter autonomous pool cleaning robot with built-in laser ranging for precise navigation; target buyers would be pool equipment OEMs like Hayward, Pentair, or Fluidra looking to differentiate premium robotic cleaner lines.
Who in Virginia should care
Pool and outdoor-living product distributors in Virginia, or defense-adjacent robotics firms in the NoVa corridor exploring low-cost laser ranging for ground robots.
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 J. Boothe
- Granted
- July 21, 2015
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 9086274
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.