Bangor Is Using Small Robots To Map City Sidewalks

It might read like a science-fiction plot, but it's not. Little robots will be released throughout Bangor in the coming weeks. Their purpose: to map the terrain of the city's sidewalks for folks with disabilities.

David Warren, Communications Manager for the City of Bangor, says the City has partnered with an Oregon-based "urban service robot company" called Daxbot, which will provide about half a dozen "Daxbots," as they're called. These Daxbots will assess 150 miles of public sidewalks, crosswalks, curbs, and ramps throughout Bangor neighborhoods.

The purpose of this information-gathering effort is to help ensure Bangor complies with the ADA regulations.

"The Daxbots are about 35 inches tall and 25 inches from front to back, and side to side. A single Daxbot covers up to six miles per day, and it’s expected to take about five weeks for the accessibility data to be collected. They collect continuous measurements, including uplifts, cross slopes, and curb-ramp geometry, and deliver data in a GIS-ready format to help City engineers and planners identify and prioritize improvements."

Bangor's Daxbots, Daxbot Urban Service Robots

Warren says while the robots are automated, they will be monitored remotely by operators who can control them, if necessary.

"...They shouldn't pose any sort of obstacle. They're able to move around obstacles, and sensors allow them to stop when approaching an obstacle or when approached by a person or pet. "

He says that the City hopes these robots will be allowed to do their job, without any interference, but should anyone tamper with these little machines, they will face consequences.

"...should there be a situation where one is damaged, then it's just like any other offense where equipment is intentionally damaged — the offender will be held responsible."

Warren says there will be an event at the Bangor Public Library on Monday, July 6th, at 11 AM, for folks who want to learn more about the initiative and see the Daxbots in action. The event will take place right in the atrium.

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Gallery Credit: Lizzy Snyder