Robotics and Patents Robotics and Automation 1 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All Rights...

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Robotics and PatentsRobotics and Automation

Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All Rights Reserved

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Goals

Students will understand the• process of robot design;• potential patents available for their robot design;• process of patenting a robot design; and• process of sketching, designing, and building a robot.


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Terms

• Design - to sketch an outline for; plan.

• Robot - a mechanical device operating automatically, in a seemingly human way.

• Sketch - a rough drawing or design, done rapidly.

• Patent - a document granting the exclusive right to produce or sell an invention, etc., for a specified time.


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Defining a Patent

• Inventors receive patents from the government.

• These patents assure inventors they have the right to make, use, and sell an invention for a certain period of time.

• Patents are granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, an agency at the Department of Commerce. (http://www.uspto.gov/).


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Describing the Robot Design Process

The robot design process consists of six steps.

Robot Design ProcessStep 1 Define the ProblemStep 2 Research and DesignStep 3 Create a PrototypeStep 4 Build the RobotStep 5 Program and Test the RobotStep 6 Evaluate the Robot


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Robot Design Process ExplanationStep 1. Define the Problem Before building a robot to solve a problem, determine

the problem you are trying to solve. • Identify the purpose of the robot design• Identify specific requirements



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Robot Design Process ExplanationStep 2. Research and Design Ask yourself, “What must my robot do?”

• Gather information about the design of your robot.

• Identify specific details of the design which must be satisfied.

• Identify possible and alternative design solutions.• Design an appropriate structure and include

sketches.



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Robot Design Process ExplanationStep 3. Create a Prototype • Use your sketches and notes from Step 2 to create a

prototype of your robot. • Use robotic kit parts to assist with creating your

prototype. • Take a picture of the finished prototype.

o Note: You will use the picture to help sketch the design of your robot.



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Robot Design Process Explanation

Step 4. Build the Robot Begin construction work on your robot. • Use the robotic kit parts to construct a strong

robotic structure.• Use robotic parts, gears, and sensors.



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Step 5. Program and Test the Robot • Write the program for your robot.• Download the written program into the brain of

your robot.• Test your robot to see how it functions.



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Step 6. Evaluate the Robot Begin evaluating the entire project.• Compare the robot’s functions to the purpose for

which it was designed. • Write an evaluation outlining the strengths and

weaknesses in your design. • Describe where you succeeded and where you failed

to achieve the aims set out in the specifications.



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To evaluate the robot in Step 6, ask yourself these questions:


• Does the design function well and look good? • How could I have improved the design?

• Is the product safe to use? • Did I plan my work adequately? • Did I find the construction straightforward or difficult?• Were the most suitable materials used? • Did it cost more than or less than expected?

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Reviewing Potential Robot Patents

• Scientists, programmers, and engineers have been patenting robotic attributes since the 1950s.

• A robotic inventor can patent both robotic hardware and robotic software.

• The recent developments in robotics research and production have influenced the patent world, attempting to match advancements in technology.


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Reviewing Potential Robot Patents

• Robotics Technology is a growing industry which creates high-tech jobs in the United States.

• Robotics Technology improves healthcare, national defense, homeland security, energy, manufacturing, logistics, transportation, agriculture, education, and other sectors.

• In recent years, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) at NASA created over 50 inventions.

ohttp://www-robotics.jpl.nasa.gov/patents/Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All Rights Reserved

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Getting a Patent for a Robot Design

The patent process consists of four steps. Step 1 – Write Down Your IdeaDefine your invention, identifying specific invention elements. These written materials will help prepare a patent application. Begin by asking yourself:

• What problem does my invention solve?• How does my invention actually work?• Who is my target audience?• How is my invention different from others like it?• How much money will I need to produce my invention?• Who are potential investors?


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The patent process consists of four steps.Step 2 - Conduct a Patent ResearchDatabases store patents from as far back as 1790. Finding patents in these databases is difficult because you will need to conduct several keyword searches. Consult search experts.

• Contact the United States Patent and Trademark Office, an agency of the Department of Commerce.

o http://www.uspto.gov/patents/process/search/index.jsp • Visit the USPTO Search Facilities located in Alexandria, VA.




The patent process consists of four steps.Step 3 – File Provisional or Non-Provisional Patent ApplicationYou will file a provisional application to associate the title “patent pending” with your invention. Then file the non-provisional application within 12 months. Once approved, the invention is entitled to the filing date of the provisional application.

• To file a provisional application, use a coversheet and pay the filing fee (relatively inexpensive.)

o Claims, oaths, or declarations are not required. o Provisional applications are not permitted for design patents.

• File the non-provisional application within 12 months, or loose all rights to your provisional application.

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The patent process consists of four steps.Step 4 – Wait for the USPTO to Evaluate Your ApplicationThe USPTO examines your application and conducts their own patent search to avoid conflicting inventions.

• Examiners may ask for clarification, or ask you to narrow the scope of protection.• The length of the examination varies depending on the type of invention and

schedule of the USPTO.• During the "patent pending" phase of your application, you may try to sell your

invention without fear of losing any rights to the invention; although there is no guarantee that any application will eventually receive a patent.


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Assignment

Use the robot design process to sketch, design, and build a robot. Submit an USPTO patent application for your design.

Robot Design ProcessStep 1 Define the ProblemStep 2 Research and DesignStep 3 Create a PrototypeStep 4 Build a RobotStep 5 Program and Test Your RobotStep 6 Evaluate Your Robot


Robotics and Patents Robotics and Automation 1 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All Rights...

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