Robots Hit the Sidewalks of Hoboken, N.J. to Help All Pedestrians

Robots are now rolling down the sidewalks of Hoboken, New Jersey, and there is no need to be alarmed. City officials announced that small robots called Daxbots started traveling along sidewalks this week to collect information about how easy it is for people to get around. The goal is to make the city's streets and walkways safer and more accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities. This effort is part of a larger city plan called the Accessibility Action Plan.

The Daxbots are collecting engineering data to improve accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which is often called the ADA. The robots will check curb ramps, push buttons, crosswalks, and pathways in parks. This information will help city planners figure out where improvements need to be made. All of this work is connected to Hoboken's bigger safety program, called Vision Zero.

The Vision Zero plan has a bold goal: to eliminate all traffic deaths and injuries in Hoboken by the year 2030. Hoboken has already gone nine straight years without a single traffic death, which is a major achievement. Mayor Emily Jabbour said the city has worked hard to make its streets better for all residents. "Hoboken has become a national model for street safety because we've consistently invested in making our streets work better for everyone," she said.

The city also wants to hear directly from the people who live and work there. Officials launched a public survey for residents, business owners, and others to share their thoughts. The survey is open until July 23, so people have time to give their feedback. Mayor Jabbour said combining robot technology with input from real people will help create a clear plan for improvements.

So what exactly do these robots look like? Many people say the Daxbots remind them of characters from the animated movie "WALL-E." They move at about the same speed as a person walking, and they use sensors to take very detailed measurements of sidewalks. The robots gather information like sidewalk width, changes in ground level, and the condition of curbs. They are equipped with precision lasers, GPS technology, and a tool called an inclinometer that measures slopes.

City officials say the robots will always have a human supervisor nearby, and they will wear bright, high-visibility vests so people can spot them easily. The bots are short and designed to get out of the way when a person is walking by. Residents should not have any trouble sharing the sidewalk with them. However, officials do ask that people not block or interfere with the robots while they are working.

If you spot a Daxbot on the street, the city actually encourages you to take a selfie with it. You can tag the City of Hoboken at @CityofHoboken and Daxbot at @idigdax on social media. It is a fun way to get involved and share the news about the city's accessibility work. City leaders hope the project will lead to streets and public spaces that are safer and more welcoming for absolutely everyone.