Autonomous Construction Machine System

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/656,538, which was filed on Jun. 5, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present invention generally relates to the field of industrial construction machines. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel industrial machine with a hydraulic arm controlled by an artificial intelligence (AI) chip. The machine can be used for construction tasks. The machine can be configured for construction work using either a digital tablet or using an on-board display screen. The machine is a self-operating machine and is designed to perform a multitude of construction tasks, including but not limited to digging, tilling, and leveling the ground. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

By way of background, traditional landscaping and construction methods rely heavily on manual operation of machinery. Manual operation of equipment inherently places workers in close proximity to moving parts and potential hazards. The proximity can lead to serious injuries such as lacerations, crushing, and even fatalities. Also, different landscaping machinery requires specialized training and skillsets. Projects involving diverse equipment types necessitate a workforce with a broader range of expertise. Unavailability of adequately trained personnel for specific machinery can cause delays. Any operational issue with machinery due to manual use can significantly disrupt project timelines. Landscaping projects often have tight deadlines, and equipment downtime can translate into delays and increased costs.

Even with proper training, human error is a factor in construction projects. Mistakes in measurement and dimensioning can lead to rework, wasted materials, and project delays. Skilled labor is a significant cost factor in landscaping projects. The need for a large workforce can inflate project budgets and limit profit margins. Construction companies desire improved construction machines that reduces dependency on human resources for operating different construction machines.

Conventional construction machines support only limited types of attachments and tools. Construction sites require multiple machines supporting different attachments which is expensive and difficult to manage. Individuals desire an improved construction machine that can support multiple tools to accommodate requirements of different users.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for an autonomous construction machine. There is also a long felt need in the art for an improved construction machine that utilizes artificial intelligence for autonomous digging, tilling, leveling the ground, and more. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a novel construction machine that reduces physical proximity of operators with the machine by enabling operators to provide specific instructions to the machine through a smart device like a tablet. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved construction machine that can support different detachable tools and attachments. Further, there is a long felt need in the art of a specially designed autonomous construction machine system that enables users to operate the machine easily and safely, ensuring the job is completed efficiently and as quickly as possible. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art a construction machine that promotes worker safety, improves operational efficiency, and reduces reliance on manual labor in landscaping tasks. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for an industrial machine that saves considerable time and manpower on any type of construction site that requires industrial machinery.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an autonomous construction machine system. The system further comprises an artificial intelligence (AI) controlled machine capable of performing tasks including digging, tilling, and leveling ground. A display screen is disposed on the machine for displaying areas scanned by a sensor and for receiving configuration of construction tasks by a user. A hydraulic arm is equipped with a modular attachment system for various tools, including a vacuum suction mechanism for material transfer to an onboard storage chamber. A digital tablet is wirelessly coupled with the machine for providing remote configuration and operation of the machine. The hydraulic arm features a hinge and a hydraulic cylinder for different movements and is equipped with a modular hook at the distal end thereof for attaching various tools. Each tool integrates vacuum suction capabilities that connect to an onboard vacuum storage chamber for efficient material handling.

In this manner, the autonomous construction machine system of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with a construction machine that is AI based and decreases the need for a large labor force, reduces labor costs and mitigates issues related to labor shortages in the construction industry. The system automates the potentially hazardous tasks, thereby minimizes human exposure to dangerous conditions, such as operating heavy machinery or working in unstable terrain. The digital tablet interface enables for remote operation and configuration of the machine, offering convenience and flexibility in managing construction tasks without needing to be physically present on-site. The vacuum suction feature for material handling and the onboard storage chamber streamlines the process of collecting, storing, and disposing of materials, making site clean-up more efficient and less disruptive.

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an autonomous construction machine system. The system further comprises an artificial intelligence (AI) controlled machine capable of performing tasks including digging, tilling, and leveling ground. A display screen is disposed on the machine for displaying areas scanned by a sensor and for receiving configuration of construction tasks by a user. A hydraulic arm is equipped with a modular attachment system for various tools, including a vacuum suction mechanism for material transfer to an onboard storage chamber. A digital tablet is wirelessly coupled with the machine for providing remote configuration and operation of the machine.

In another aspect, an AI enabled modular construction machine system is disclosed. The machine system includes a construction machine equipped with AI and sensor technology for autonomous operation across various terrains. A set of detachable tools such as a tiller, rake, and various digging and grading attachments, each with integrated vacuum suction capabilities are attached to the machine. The machine includes integrated sensors and 3D stie scanning using LiDAR, GPS, and stereo camera technology for environmental mapping and obstacle detection, enhancing autonomous operation safety and efficiency. A hydraulic arm with a modular attachment point for tool interchangeability is included, enabling customization of the machine's functionality for specific construction tasks.

In yet another embodiment, an autonomous construction machine system, designed to improve efficiency and accuracy in construction and landscaping tasks through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced sensor technology is disclosed. The machine system includes a self-operating machine equipped with a hydraulic arm, designed to perform a multitude of construction tasks, including but not limited to digging, tilling, and leveling the ground. The hydraulic arm features a hinge and a hydraulic cylinder for different movements and is equipped with a modular hook at the distal end thereof for attaching various tools. Each tool integrates vacuum suction capabilities that connect to an onboard vacuum storage chamber for efficient material handling. The system includes a digital tablet equipped with a mobile application for remote operation and configuration of the machine. Communication between the machine and the tablet is facilitated through a wireless network.

In a further embodiment, the machine includes an AI chip which is adapted to facilitate automatic movements of different tools and attachments of the machine. The machine is equipped with sensors and 3D stie scanning using LiDAR, GPS, and stereo camera technology for environmental scanning, obstacle detection, and precise measurement of work areas.

In another aspect, a method for operating an autonomous construction machine system is described. The method includes the steps of pairing the construction machine with a digital tablet through a wireless communication network, configuring construction tasks on the tablet, including specifying task locations and types using a dedicated application, transmitting the configured tasks to the machine, where an AI chip processes the information and autonomously directs the machine to execute the tasks using its hydraulic arm and attached tools.

In yet another aspect, a method for configuring a construction operation using an autonomous machine system is described. The method includes the steps of displaying the scanned area around the machine on the integrated display screen, using data from onboard sensors and cameras, configuring operational parameters directly on the display screen, including start and end points, types of construction work, and specific tool requirements, and activating the machine, wherein the AI module directs the execution of configured tasks, adjusting machine movements and tool operations based on real-time environmental data.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for an autonomous construction machine. There is also a long felt need in the art for an improved construction machine that utilizes artificial intelligence for autonomous digging, tilling, leveling the ground, and more. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a novel construction machine that reduces physical proximity of operators with the machine by enabling operators to provide specific instructions to the machine through a smart device like a tablet. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved construction machine that can support different detachable tools and attachments. Further, there is a long felt need in the art of a specially designed autonomous construction machine system that enables users to operate the machine easily and safely, ensuring the job is completed efficiently and as quickly as possible. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art a construction machine that promotes worker safety, improves operational efficiency, and reduces reliance on manual labor in landscaping tasks. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for an industrial machine that saves considerable time and manpower on any type of construction site that requires industrial machinery.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a method for configuring a construction operation using an autonomous machine system. The method includes the steps of displaying the scanned area around the machine on the integrated display screen, using data from onboard sensors and cameras, configuring operational parameters directly on the display screen, including start and end points, types of construction work, and specific tool requirements, and activating the machine, wherein the AI module directs the execution of configured tasks, adjusting machine movements and tool operations based on real-time environmental data. The system is designed that should the machine fail, it may be driven back to the station manually.

Referring initially to the drawings,illustrates a schematic view of the autonomous construction machine system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. The autonomous construction machine systemof the present invention is configured to utilize artificial intelligence for digging, tilling, leveling the ground, and more. The autonomous construction systemis designed for construction tasks, integrating robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and various mechanical tools. More specifically, the systemincludes an autonomous construction machinewhich can be made in different sizes to accommodate requirements of different users. The construction machinecan be powered by a diesel engine(i.e., tierfinal diesel engine). The other auxiliary systems, for example AI processing unit, sensors/cameras, tool switching motors, vacuum turbine and hose actuators, et. al., can be powered by a lithium-ion battery pack(i.e., high capacity 60-100 kWh battery pack).

The construction machineis coupled to a digital tabletvia a communication network. The digital tabletincludes a mobile application or software applicationfor configuring and operating the construction machine. The digital tabletis preferably a specially designed tablet for controlling the machineand can also be a conventional handheld electronic device with the installed mobile application. The mobile applicationis preferably adapted to pair and control a specific machineand is tagged using the unique identifier of the machine.

The communication networkcan be one or more types of wireless communication signals and/or systems, for example, radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), frequency-division multiplexing (FDM), orthogonal FDM (OFDM), time-division multiplexing (TDM), time-division multiple access (TDMA), extended TDMA (E-TDMA), wideband CDMA (WCDMA), CDMA 2000, discrete multi-tone (DMT), Bluetooth (®), global positioning system (GPS), Wi-Fi, ZigBee (™), global system for mobile communication (GSM), 2G, 2.5G, 3G, 3.5G, 4G, 5G, 6G or the like.

illustrates a rear perspective view of the autonomous construction machineof the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. The rear side (as indicated by the arrow A) of the machineincludes a display screenwhich is adapted to be used for displaying a scanned areaand measurementsof the scanned area. The scanned areais displayed for planning and executing construction projects by providing precise measurements of the work area. The display screencan display the size of the land enabling a construction foreperson to visually plan the project, marking start and end points for tasks directly on the screen. The display screenenables for manual control or programming of the path and operations of the machine.

Along with the display screen, a control padis provided which has a keypadfor providing input to the display screenfor configuration of a construction location. The machineis designed to be used on all types of terrains and includes a left tread or trackand a right tread or track. The left tread or trackis protected by a left guardand the right tread or trackis protected by a right guard. It is to be appreciated that the tracks,move independently (i.e., via independent hydraulic motors) and comprise rubber or composite steel reinforced tracks. The excavating machineincludes a vacuum storage chamberfor storing the materials suctioned by different tools and attachments of the machine. The storage chamberprovides easy and safe storage of the suctioned items/materials, minimizing mess and increasing efficiency. The machinehas configurable tread patterns,and can operate efficiently on a wide range of terrains, from soft soil to rocky ground.

The vacuum storage chamberincludes a first doorfor removing the stored items. The first doorprovides easy accessibility of the vacuum storage chamberand is used for cleaning the chamber. A hydraulic armis operatively connected to an AI chamberof the machine. The hydraulic armis adapted to automatically or autonomously move based on a preconfigured construction plan for excavation, digging, and other tasks. The hydraulic armcan support different types of tools and attachments for performing different tasks. It is to be appreciated that hydraulic armcan include an arm-mounted flexible hose or trackrouted along the hydraulic arm. The hose or trackconnects to the active tool and the chamberwhen vacuum mode is actuated. Debris is sucked or vacuumed through the hose or trackand transferred to a nearby dump truckvia an adjustable outlet or rear-mounted metal discharge pipe.

illustrates a side perspective view of the autonomous construction machineof the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. Referring now to, the machineon the front side (as indicated by the arrow B) includes a sensorfor monitoring the objects around the machinein order to stop the automatic operation of the machine. The sensoris also adapted to record and display the land area around the machineon the display screen. A second dooris disposed in the front portion of the machineand is designed to provide access to the vacuum storage chamberof the machine.

The hydraulic armincludes a hydraulic cylinderwhich includes a hinge. The hydraulic cylinderprovides the linear movement and the hingeprovides the pivotal movement to the hydraulic arm. A hookis disposed at the distal endof the hydraulic armand the hookis designed to detachably accommodate different tools and attachments such as a digging apparatus. The hydraulic armcan autonomously switch between different tools using motorized locking pins, alignment sensors(i.e., cameras), and a hydraulic or electric actuatorto attach/detach tools. Before operating, the system prompts the user to visually confirm, through camera displays on the digital tablet, that the tool(s) is properly locked. A selected variety of tools can be stored or docked onboard a tool bayof the autonomous construction machineto be used for a predetermined project.

In one exemplary arrangement, at the rear end of the machine, a tiller attachmentis detachably attached using the attachment point. Different attachments or tools can be attached to the attachment pointfor enhancing the functionality of the machinefor doing all types of construction tasks.

illustrates a side perspective view of another embodiment of the autonomous construction machinein accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the hookof the hydraulic armhas the detachably attached auger tool. The auger toolincludes a central suction trackfor suctioning the material from the land/site and automatically or autonomously transfer to the vacuum storage chamber. The hydraulic armalso includes the suction hose or trackfor facilitating movement of the materials from the attached toolto the vacuum storage chamber. A rake attachmentis detachably attached to the machineusing the attachment point.

illustrates a functional block diagram depicting working of the autonomous operation of the autonomous construction machinein accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The AI module(as shown in) includes an AI chipwhich is a specially designed chip for controlling movements of different tools and attachments attached to the machine. The AI chipis adapted to receive input from the sensorfor the identified area, land type, and different positions for functioning of the construction work. The AI chipalso receives input from integrated LiDARfor identifying underground utilities, potential obstacles, and material types. It is to be appreciated that input can be received from other sources including GPS and stereo cameras. The data received by the AI chipis data is used for precise planning and execution of construction tasks.

The remote signals from the digital tabletas illustrated inare received by the wireless transceiverof the machine. The wireless transceiverestablishes the communication network between the machineand the electronic device. Based on the inputs received from the sensor, electronic device, and the LiDAR, the AI chipautomatically or autonomously moves the hydraulic armand the other attachment (,) on the rear side of the machine.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the machinedoes not require manual operation and monitoring for a construction task. The AI chipintegration streamlines operations and potentially reduces the need for manual labor for tasks, increasing safety and efficiency on construction sites. The AI chipis capable of handling various tasks from ground preparation (tilling, leveling) to material handling (suctioning and storing materials). The AI chipautomatically or autonomously detects and configures the attached tools, adjusting the operational parameters for optimal performance. The AI chipcan be adapted to tools for excavation, material handling, grading, and compacting. Exemplary attachments or tools comprise a bucket (shovel), a trenching bucket, a grading bucket, a tilt bucket, an auger, a hydraulic breaker, a ripper, a rake, a grapple, a thumb attachment, a plate compactor, a brush cutter, a vacuum excavation nozzle, a hydraulic shear, pallet forks, a clamshell bucket, a screening bucket, a crusher bucket, a tiller, and a leveler.

illustrates a flow chart depicting a process of using the digital tablet for operating the electrical machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Initially, the digital tabletis paired with the machineusing the wireless communication channel(Step). The digital tabletis preferably paired with a single machinewherein the digital tabletand/or corresponding applicationprovides customized input options for working of the tools and attachments of the machine.

Then, using the digital tablet, different construction parameters of a site (i.e., defined task area, type of job, and vacuum preference) are configured (Step). The parameters can include but are not limited to dig points, dig depths, dig areas, vacuum actuation, tool selection, starting position, track/path, end position, drilling position, tilling position, and more. The digital tablet can also display a map of the construction site for inputting different configuration parameters. Finally, using the AI chipof the machine, based on the received configuration parameters, the autonomous operation of the machineusing the movement of the attachments and tools is performed (Step).

illustrates a flow chart depicting a process of using the display screen for configuration a construction operation of the machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Initially, the area of the land around the machine is displayed on the display screen(Step). The area can be displayed using the sensorand one or more cameras (not shown) embedded in the machine. Then, different points of work such as starting point, end point, type of construction work, and more are configured on the display screen(Step). Finally, the AI chipfacilitates the autonomous operation of the machineaccording to the points/input received by the machineon the display screen(Step).

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “autonomous construction machine system”, “autonomous construction system”, and “system” are interchangeable and refer to the autonomous construction machine systemof the present invention. Similarly, as used herein, “autonomous construction machine”, “construction machine”, “electric machine”, and “machine” are interchangeable and refer to the autonomous construction machineof the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the autonomous construction machine systemand the autonomous construction machineof the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the autonomous construction machine systemand the autonomous construction machineas shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the autonomous construction machine systemand the autonomous construction machineare well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the autonomous construction machine systemand the autonomous construction machineare important design parameters for user convenience, the autonomous construction machine systemand the autonomous construction machinemay be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.