Ann Arbor, Michigan – Cybernet Systems Corporation, a leading defense, robotics, engineering, cyber security and simulation systems development company, today announced award of US Patent  8,983,561 that discloses driverless vehicle technology and supporting infrastructure to support fully or partially automated warehouse operations, including automated guidance and safety, pallet finding, acquisition, and placement, and overall warehouse system control.

Supported by numerous other Computer Vision-based localization and guidance patents, this new capability developed jointly with the US Army, Hyster, and Kalmar provides the means for fully automated and manual assisting controlled operation of forklifts and container handlers in warehouse, forward base, and container yard operations.  It covers warehouse operations command and control, safe manned and unmanned logistical vehicle navigation to and from load points, and Pallet engagement, disengagement, and use of visual and range data sets in an engagement task specific manner.

Prior driverless vehicle are in the public domain back to at least the mid 1980s is disclosed recognizing the contributions from academia and industry from Autonomous Land Vehicle, Navlab, the DARPA Grand and Urban Challenges, and others.