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

Goals 2 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. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Terms 3 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. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Defining a Patent 4 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. ( Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Describing the Robot Design Process 5 The robot design process consists of six steps. Robot Design Process Step 1 Define the Problem Step 2 Research and Design Step 3 Create a Prototype Step 4 Build the Robot Step 5 Program and Test the Robot Step 6 Evaluate the Robot Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Describing the Robot Design Process 6 Robot Design ProcessExplanation Step 1. Define the ProblemBefore 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 The robot design process consists of six steps. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Describing the Robot Design Process 7 Robot Design ProcessExplanation Step 2. Research and DesignAsk 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. The robot design process consists of six steps. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Describing the Robot Design Process 8 Robot Design ProcessExplanation Step 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. The robot design process consists of six steps. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Describing the Robot Design Process 9 Robot Design ProcessExplanation Step 4. Build the RobotBegin construction work on your robot. Use the robotic kit parts to construct a strong robotic structure. Use robotic parts, gears, and sensors. The robot design process consists of six steps. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Describing the Robot Design Process 10 Robot Design ProcessExplanation 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. The robot design process consists of six steps. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Describing the Robot Design Process 11 Robot Design ProcessExplanation Step 6. Evaluate the RobotBegin 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. The robot design process consists of six steps. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Describing the Robot Design Process 12 To evaluate the robot in Step 6, ask yourself these questions: Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved 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?

Reviewing Potential Robot Patents 13 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. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Reviewing Potential Robot Patents 14 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. o Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Getting a Patent for a Robot Design 15 The patent process consists of four steps. Step 1 – Write Down Your Idea Define 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? Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Getting a Patent for a Robot Design 16 The patent process consists of four steps. Step 2 - Conduct a Patent Research Databases store patents from as far back as 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 Visit the USPTO Search Facilities located in Alexandria, VA. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Getting a Patent for a Robot Design Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved The patent process consists of four steps. Step 3 – File Provisional or Non-Provisional Patent Application You 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.

Getting a Patent for a Robot Design 18 The patent process consists of four steps. Step 4 – Wait for the USPTO to Evaluate Your Application The 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. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Assignment 19 Use the robot design process to sketch, design, and build a robot. Submit an USPTO patent application for your design. Robot Design Process Step 1 Define the Problem Step 2 Research and Design Step 3 Create a Prototype Step 4 Build a Robot Step 5 Program and Test Your Robot Step 6 Evaluate Your Robot Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved