Irvine Deploys Robots to Survey 950 Miles Sidewalk Accessibility

The city of Irvine has launched an innovative initiative deploying robots named Bandit, Smokey, and Turbo, developed by Oregon-based Daxbot, to assess the condition and accessibility of its sidewalks, curb ramps, and trails. These sensor-equipped, autonomous robots use GPS and advanced cameras to scan over 9,000 curb ramps and nearly 1,000 miles of sidewalks for cracks, slopes, and other barriers, collecting data up to five times faster and more accurately than traditional methods. The data collected feeds into Irvine's Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) self-evaluation program, helping prioritize upgrades and repairs to improve accessibility and safety. Managed collaboratively with Bureau Veritas, the project operates on weekdays with field technicians on hand and aims to complete its survey within six months. Costing about $600,000, the initiative is viewed as a cost-effective and modern approach to ensuring ADA compliance, with city officials emphasizing that the robots do not collect personal data like faces or license plates. The city promotes the robots’ friendly appearance and even their ability to pose for photos, reflecting a blend of practical utility and community engagement.