How One Person Can Control Two Robots as a Team
This patent describes a system where a single operator can control two separate robots together as one unified machine, or switch to control them individually, using a master control system.
Original patent title: “Unified robotic vehicle systems and methods of control”
This patent describes a system where a single operator can control two separate robots together as one unified machine, or switch to control them individually, using a master control system. Granted to Sarcos in 2023 with 56 claims and 2 forward citations, and it is expected to expire in 2040.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
The patent describes a robotic system that lets a single operator control two separate robots, referred to as a "first robotic system" and a "second robotic system," either together or individually. In a "paired control mode" (ClaimclaimA numbered sentence at the end of a patent that legally defines what the inventor owns. The most important section.Read more → 1), a master control system's "drive input device" (like a joystick or steering wheel) can jointly move both robots' "mobile platforms" (their bases that move them around) as if they were a single, larger machine (Claim 3). For example, if you push forward on the joystick, both robots move forward in sync. The system can also switch to an "unpaired control mode" (Claim 5), allowing the operator to control just one of the robots at a time using the same drive input. This switch is done with a "switch input device" on the master system. Additionally, if both robots have "manipulators" (robot arms), the master system can also control both arms together in a "paired manipulator control mode" (Claim 7).
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover systems where a single robot is controlled by a master system.
- Does not cover controlling multiple robots without the ability to switch between paired and unpaired control modes.
- Does not cover systems where the "unified robotic system" is physically connected or a single, monolithic machine.
- Does not cover multi-robot systems where each robot is controlled by a separate human operator.
- Does not cover robots that cannot autonomously move into a paired position relative to each other.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The noveltynoveltyThe requirement that an invention be different from anything publicly known before its priority date.Read more → lies in the unified control system that makes two distinct, mobile robots behave as a single, larger machine for movement and manipulation, while also allowing seamless switching to individual control. This provides both the power of a large system and the agility of smaller units.
The Patent Drawing
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Robots used for heavy lifting in construction or logistics.
Robots for hazardous material handling or bomb disposal.
Robots for maintenance or inspection in large industrial facilities.
Robots for search and rescue operations in complex terrain.
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This technology is important for tasks requiring heavy lifting, complex manipulation, or working in hazardous environments where a single, large robot might be too cumbersome or expensive. By allowing two smaller, more agile robots to work together as one, it offers flexibility and efficiency. This approach could reduce the number of human operators needed for complex tasks, improving safety and productivity in industrial or dangerous settings.
Filed
December 31, 2020
Granted
October 24, 2023
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Sarcos Corp, the assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →, is a prominent company in the robotics space, known for developing advanced dexterous robotic systems and powered exoskeletons. Companies like Boston Dynamics, Agility Robotics, and other industrial robotics manufacturers are also exploring and developing multi-robot coordination and teleoperation for various applications, including logistics, construction, and hazardous environments.
Market impact
This patent contributes to the growing field of multi-robot systems, enabling more complex and efficient operations in industries like manufacturing, logistics, and defense. By simplifying the control of multiple robots for a single operator, it can reduce operational costs and expand the capabilities of robotic teams. This technology supports the development of more versatile and adaptable robotic solutions for tasks that are too dangerous, dull, or difficult for humans alone.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
The patent describes a robotic system that lets a single operator control two separate robots, referred to as a "first robotic system" and a "second robotic system," either together or individually. In a "paired control mode" (Claim 1), a master control system's "drive input device" (like a joystick or steering wheel) can jointly move both robots' "mobile platforms" (their bases that move them around) as if they were a single, larger machine (Claim 3). For example, if you push forward on the joystick, both robots move forward in sync. The system can also switch to an "unpaired control mode" (Claim 5), allowing the operator to control just one of the robots at a time using the same drive input. This switch is done with a "switch input device" on the master system. Additionally, if both robots have "manipulators" (robot arms), the master system can also control both arms together in a "paired manipulator control mode" (Claim 7).
The clever bit
The novelty lies in the unified control system that makes two distinct, mobile robots behave as a single, larger machine for movement and manipulation, while also allowing seamless switching to individual control. This provides both the power of a large system and the agility of smaller units.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover systems where a single robot is controlled by a master system.
- Does not cover controlling multiple robots without the ability to switch between paired and unpaired control modes.
- Does not cover systems where the "unified robotic system" is physically connected or a single, monolithic machine.
- Does not cover multi-robot systems where each robot is controlled by a separate human operator.
- Does not cover robots that cannot autonomously move into a paired position relative to each other.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Application published, typically 18 months after filing
Patent officially issued
Patent enters public domain
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Moderate
Citation count
10/40
Early citations
Claim breadth
20/20
Very broad protection
Recency
20/20
Granted within 5 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$65K – $207K
Midpoint $130K · 14.4 yr remaining · industry ×0.9
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
The original legal language
Original claims
56 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Olivier, M. X., & Smith, F. M. (2023). How One Person Can Control Two Robots as a Team (U.S. Patent No. 11,794,345). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11794345/unified-robotic-vehicle-systems-and-methods-of-control
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How One Person Can Control Two Robots as a Team cover?
This patent describes a system where a single operator can control two separate robots together as one unified machine, or switch to control them individually, using a master control system.
Who owns patent US 11794345?
Sarcos owns this patent, granted in 2023.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on December 31, 2040, when the invention enters the public domain.
What is patent US 11794345 cited by?
This patent has been cited by 2 later patents that build on its ideas.
What problem does this patent solve?
This technology is important for tasks requiring heavy lifting, complex manipulation, or working in hazardous environments where a single, large robot might be too cumbersome or expensive. By allowing two smaller, more agile robots to work together as one, it offers flexibility and efficiency. This approach could reduce the number of human operators needed for complex tasks, improving safety and productivity in industrial or dangerous settings.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover systems where a single robot is controlled by a master system.
Patent monitoring