Robots used to improve sidewalks

TYLER – Residents may notice some unusual city employees gathering information this summer to enhance safety on trails and sidewalks. Daxbot robots will collaborate with Kimley-Horn to gather accessibility data for pedestrian facilities in Tyler’s public rights-of-way and trails beginning on June 10. These robots can yield to humans. The city of Tyler states that they only gather data about pedestrian infrastructure. Personal data is not stored by the robots.

The evaluation will identify obstacles to access in the public right-of-way and record the state of pedestrian facilities. 59 transit stops, 122 signalized intersections, and 94.5 miles of sidewalks, trails, and curb ramps will all be included in the data collection. When compared to conventional methods, officials claim that this approach will save time and money. At one time, six to eight robots will be deployed, and they will work seven days a week during the day. It is anticipated that the data collection phase will take roughly four weeks. The robots are permitted to be able to take selfies with people, but locals should let them continue operating without interfering. According to the city of Tyler, the robot will go into standby mode and upload its data once it has completed collecting.