PsychologyAugust 2, 2026

stanchion

STAN-shun

Definition

A strong, upright bar, post, or support, typically used to provide structural integrity or to act as a barrier or guide for crowds.

Etymology

The word originates from the Old French 'estanchon,' meaning a support or prop, which evolved from the Vulgar Latin 'stancare,' meaning to stop or stay.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe how the movement of temporary physical barriers, or stanchions, can create hazardous, unmapped obstacles that confuse an autonomous robot's navigation system.

Autonomous Navigation Failure Modes The Hong Kong Airport Ro

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