Small robots known as Daxbots will soon begin surveying about 150 miles of Bangor sidewalks as part of a citywide accessibility assessment.
Over the next five weeks, roughly six robots will collect data to help the city ensure sidewalks comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other state and federal accessibility requirements. Each robot can cover up to six miles per day.
The Daxbots will be easy to identify, wearing reflective safety vests and QR code patches explaining their purpose. City officials say the robots do not collect personal information.
“Safe, walkable sidewalks connect residents to jobs, schools and each other,” Bangor Engineering Director Jefferson Davis said, calling the project an important step toward improving accessibility throughout the city.
Residents are asked to treat the robots like road maintenance crews and avoid interfering with them. The robots may occasionally stop while uploading data or waiting for pickup.
Anyone interested in seeing the Daxbots up close can visit a public demonstration Monday at 11 a.m. at the Bangor Public Library.
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