Hollister, CA Sidewalk Accessibility Assessment
Dax robots are gathering accessibility data on several high-priority sidewalk corridors within the City of Hollister on behalf of the City of Hollister and Kimley-Horn. Working with Kimley-Horn, we’ll use the measurements we collect to create a map of sidewalk conditions to help keep pedestrian pathways within the City of Hollister accessible and safe.
Dax robots move at walking speed down pedestrian pathways, taking accessibility measurements and keeping human crews out of traffic. As they move, they capture data for sidewalks, curb ramps, and related pedestrian facilities. Daxbot asks motorists to show the same courtesy they would give to any road maintenance worker.
When a bot finishes its assessment area, it will go into "snooze" mode to upload data and await pickup. This is normal and does not mean there's anything wrong with the bot.
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If you post photos of Dax, tag us @idigdax!
For the engineering minded, here are the instruments Dax uses to collect pedestrian facility data:
| Measurement | Measuring Device | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Elevation Measurements | Keyence IL-300 Laser Measurement | 1/32 inch |
| Distance Measurements | RTK GPS System augmented with internal Tread-Based System | 1/16 inch |
| Slope Measurements | CTi TILT-57A Inclinometer | 0.03% |
| Photogrammetry | High resolution optical measurements | > 97% |
FAQs
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The robots are designed, manufactured, and operated by Daxbot, based in Philomath, OR. Daxbot operators use the robots to collect data about city sidewalks.
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No, robots are not collecting personal data. Daxbot cameras are focused on the sidewalk in front of them and are used only used to collect pedestrian facility data and aid with navigation. The only time video gets saved is in the event of a safety-related incident.
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A robot can measure about 6 to 7 miles of sidewalk per day, compared with about 2 miles per day for a two-person manual crew, and it collects continuous measurements rather than measuring at 25- to 50-foot intervals. This gives cities faster, more actionable data.
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Automated collection saves cities money. Because the work can often be completed faster and with more detailed data, robotic collection can reduce the overall project timeline and cost compared with traditional manual methods.
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No. The robots are a tool used to measure pedestrian facilities more efficiently and will be in town just long enough to complete their work. Local staff, consultants, engineers, and ADA coordinators still guide the project and make the planning decisions.