Remotely Controlled Lawn Mower

[kstatefan40]

I've had an idea for a while that it would be cool to build a remote control lawn mower (sense I have a mowing business, it would be helpful). I've done some thinking - and decided it would make an awesome senior project to develop a system for doing such a thing. Its very possible - I've done some searching on Google, and there are manufactured RC Mowers.

I'm not looking at an AI contruct - it will be human operated, ideally by a remote joystick and laptop. I was thinking I could make a Pentium-M class Integrated Computer to do onboard processing and handle most of the tasks. I could use Java as my primary development language. I will get started on ideas as soon as things start to slow down a bit.

My question is, is copying a patent for personal use (not for resale) illegal? I've seen some cool ideas that are patented, but can I use them, as long as they are not going to be resold?

[Amazin Caucasian]

ill ask my dad tomoorw, hes a corporate lawyer so he will probably know the answer. good luck with taht tho!! that would be sweet...software that controls a lawn mower.

[kstatefan40]

I've got several ideas going. My main problem will be consistent steady power. Need a generator to power the power supply. I've got some ideas, I'll do some testing and see what I can do.

Thanks for checking for me!