# Robots That 3D Print Smart Roads for Self-Driving Cars

> This patent describes how a mobile robot can 3D print communication lines and power cables directly into roads to help autonomous vehicles talk to the road and each other, and even get power.

- **Patent:** US 10836107
- **Original title:** Methods and apparatus for mobile additive manufacturing of advanced roadway communication systems
- **Owner:** Individual
- **Granted:** 2020
- **Status:** Active
- **Times cited:** 2
- **Field:** automotive, telecommunications, software, robotics, materials, infrastructure

## What it does

This patent details a method for building communication and power systems directly into roadways using a special mobile additive manufacturing apparatus. This apparatus, essentially a robot, has a controller, a 3D printing system, a drive system, a navigation system, and its own power (Claim 1). It moves along a road surface and deposits materials like electrically conductive wire or optical fiber in specific spots according to a digital plan. For example, it can embed an electrically conductive material into the road and connect it to an antenna. This setup then allows a vehicle, like an autonomous car, to send a message to that antenna, which is then transmitted through the embedded material (Claim 1). The system can also be used to flow electrical power to devices connected to the embedded conductive material (Claim 17).

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover building communication or power systems into roads using traditional construction methods like trenching and laying cables.
- Does not cover stationary additive manufacturing systems; the apparatus must be mobile and transport itself along the road surface (Claim 1).
- Does not cover communication systems between vehicles that do not involve a physical material embedded within the roadway by the apparatus.
- Does not cover systems where the embedded material is not connected to a device like an antenna or a power receiver (Claim 1, Claim 17).
- Does not cover general road repair or resurfacing unless it specifically involves embedding communication or power elements.

## The clever bit

The novelty lies in the mobile, automated, and additive manufacturing approach to embedding functional materials directly into existing or new roadways. Instead of separate construction steps, a single robotic system can precisely 'print' communication lines or power conduits on-site, integrating them seamlessly into the road surface.

## Real-world examples

1. Future smart highway infrastructure
2. Roads designed for wireless electric vehicle charging
3. Traffic management systems that communicate directly with autonomous cars
4. Guidance systems for self-driving vehicles embedded in pavement

## Why it matters

This patent outlines a vision for 'smart roads' that can actively communicate with and power vehicles, especially autonomous ones. By automating the installation of these critical components, it could make deploying advanced roadway infrastructure faster and more cost-effective. Such infrastructure is crucial for supporting the complex data exchange needed for safe and efficient autonomous vehicle operation, including traffic flow management and vehicle guidance.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does Robots That 3D Print Smart Roads for Self-Driving Cars cover?

This patent describes how a mobile robot can 3D print communication lines and power cables directly into roads to help autonomous vehicles talk to the road and each other, and even get power.

### Who owns patent US 10836107?

Individual owns this patent, granted in 2020.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent is expected to expire on April 20, 2040, when the invention enters the public domain.

### What is patent US 10836107 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 2 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

This patent outlines a vision for 'smart roads' that can actively communicate with and power vehicles, especially autonomous ones. By automating the installation of these critical components, it could make deploying advanced roadway infrastructure faster and more cost-effective. Such infrastructure is crucial for supporting the complex data exchange needed for safe and efficient autonomous vehicle operation, including traffic flow management and vehicle guidance.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover building communication or power systems into roads using traditional construction methods like trenching and laying cables.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10836107/methods-and-apparatus-for-mobile-additive-manufacturing-of-advanced-roadway-comm

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US10836107

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._