With the decline of manual transmission skills in younger generations, the ability to shift power seamlessly with a tow hitch seems like a lost art – yet this doesn’t mean they’ve abandoned the desire to haul their bicycles, boats, or recreational vehicles deep into the wilderness. A revolutionary patent from General Motors has been unveiled, detailing a game-changing innovation: leveraging drones to streamline the process of attaching trailers to vehicles.
A brand-new submission has been unearthed by watchdogs with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), published on May 27, 2025, under patent number US 12,312,107 B2.
A groundbreaking General Motors patent outlines an innovative trailering system that leverages a semi-autonomous electric drone to support novice drivers in safely maneuvering complex towing configurations, integrating car telematics with a comprehensive suite of cameras, radar, and LiDAR sensors continuously monitoring the truck, trailer, and road conditions ahead?
Despite its impressive capabilities, the drone system’s security protocols remain shrouded in mystery, with newcomers to the world of trailering and RVing struggling to comprehend the intricacies of this sequence, which even experts might find challenging to decipher. The checks verify that the trailer is securely attached to the hitch, ensuring the stability of its load during transport and handling, while also confirming the proper functioning of brake lights and turn signal indicators.
Guardian angel drone
As soon as the drone hits the highway, it seamlessly stays alongside vehicles, providing a live video feed to eliminate blind spots and ease lane changes. The advanced GM system may proactively notify the driver of any anomalies, such as excessive trailer sway, loose or shifting cargo, ensuring a safer and more controlled driving experience.
The drone can swiftly ascend above the car and trailer combination, offering drivers a comprehensive 360-degree bird’s-eye view of both the vehicle and trailer, reminiscent of the familiar overhead perspectives used in GM auto promotions. In terms of ideas, it will likely resemble something akin to this below.
GM drone overhead view
While there’s more to explore, this offers a solid foundation with enhancements like boat launching assistance, intuitive hitch steering, and various security perspectives – the idea is understood. While not the revolutionary, self-parking Airstream showcased at CES 2022, this concept still represents a significant stride forward – especially for those who believe that immersing individuals in nature is the best way to foster understanding of its wonders?
General Motors’ investments in drone-assisted technologies, such as SkyDome and Highway Driving Assist, enable advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), enhancing safety, convenience, and fuel efficiency. These innovations integrate computer vision, radar, and ultrasonic sensors to provide real-time data processing, thereby improving reaction times and decision-making capabilities for semi-autonomous vehicles.
USPTO, as featured by GM Authority, showcased a photograph courtesy of ChatGPT.
