Could Determine When You Need A Cuppa, And Deliver It Too

IBM has filed a patent for a drone that could predict when you need a cup of coffee, and deliver it to your hand.

USA Today reports that, according to the patent filing, the small drone could be used at a coffee shop, an office or other place where a pre-ordered beverage could be delivered to an individual. The drone would hone in on the recipient's smartphone to be sure the drink gets to the correct person.

But the technology goes even further. The system could also access data stored on wearable technology such as a Fitbit or similar device to check sleep records, or look at a calendar to see of the person was scheduled for a potentially boring meeting. It could also determine heart rate and blood pressure, and use a camera to detect facial expressions, pupil dilation, and other cues that might signal the need for a caffeine jolt.

Just because there is a patent does not mean such a device will ever be built. In an email to USA Today, IBM spokeswoman Amanda Carl said that the company "encourages our researchers to pursue their interests even though not all of their inventions become commercial products. By publishing their inventions as patents, we give our researchers the recognition they deserve and make their work public, so it can inspire new innovations."

Still, the legal department might have something to say about hot liquids being carried through the air in a crowded office.

(Image from IBM Patent Application)

FMI: Source report