[WATCH] Science Snapshot: Patents Approved for Boeing’s Drone Submarine and Ford’s Autonomous Lounge Car

According to reports Boeing’s patent application for a “rapid deployment air and water vehicle” has been recently approved by the US Patent and Trademark Office. The remotely operated flying drone can transform into a submarine and could be carried into the deployment area by a host aircraft before detaching from the carrier aircraft and flying on its own. When needed, it can also dive into water.

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tom-banner ampforwp-incontent-ad2"> The device sheds its wings and propellers, Business Insider’s Benjamin Zhang writes, using explosive bolts and water-soluble glue. Under water, a set of propellers and control surfaces take the place of the wings and propellers that were used in the air.

(Video via YogiPatent)

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Ford is another industry heavyweight that has had an interesting patent approved. This month, a group of employees submitted an applicaton for an “autonomous car with reconfigurable seats.” The company has been seeking to innovate in the market of self-driving cars, and it has launched partnerships with MIT and Stanford to conduct more research on automated driving.

Check out more on Ford’s autonomous lounge vehicle below:

(Video via YogiPatent)