IBM patent coffee delivery drone

The patent describes a drone that can identify the “cognitive state” of office workers and lower cups of coffee on an “unspooling string”.

The patent, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for their idea of a camera-equipped drone that hovers over you, watching your pupil dilation and facial expressions to judge if you need more coffee.

Another option describes hot drinks delivered in a sealed bag, to prevent any scalding drips.

IBM suggests the drone could be equipped with technology to detect blood pressure, pupil dilation and facial expressions and judge whether people are drowsy.

Alternatively, people in an office could be able to summon a cup of coffee with a hand gesture.

IBM has not revealed whether it plans to produce the coffee drone.

“IBM encourages our researchers to pursue their interests even though not all of their inventions become commercial products,” IBM spokeswoman Amanda Carl wrote in an email to USA Today. “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.”