Boston Dynamics Perception and fitting for a stair Patent (U
US11073842B1 · Boston Dynamics, Inc.
- Patent number
- US11073842B1
- Applicant
- Boston Dynamics, Inc.
- Filing date
- 2021-01-25
- CPC class
- B62D 57/032
- Pillar
- Brain
Methods for detecting stair geometry from sensor data and fitting a parametric staircase model so a robot can align and climb with measured tread/riser constraints.
Claims
Independent claims include detecting stair edges from depth/RGB, fitting a geometric stair model, and using that model to control foot placement during ascent/descent.
Technical analysis
Stairs remain the failure mode that separates warehouse demos from real buildings. Fitting an explicit stair model (not just “walk toward incline”) is how Spot reliably handles industrial mezzanines. This patent was also litigated, underscoring commercial value.
Commercial impact
High-signal IP for facility robotics buyers evaluating stair autonomy. Design-arounds usually trade robustness for speed — a weak selling point for inspection contracts.
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