Cal Poly is using robots from Daxbot, an Oregon-based robotics company, to map over 31 miles of campus paths to evaluate accessibility, according to a university press release. This accessibility map will provide information to better inform Cal Poly’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan.
Once the accessibility map is completed, Facilities Management and Development will post an updated ADA Transition Plan online. Subsequent projects will refer to the report and address barriers indicated, according to university spokesperson Keegan Koberl.
A planning document is required by the ADA that outlines how an institution will make facilities, programs and services accessible to individuals with disabilities. Cal Poly’s most recent ADA Transition Plan was completed in 2013.
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“These robots will make quick work of this extremely important process,” said Anthony Palazzo, executive director of Facilities Planning and Capital Projects at Cal Poly. “And they will help us continue our growth and evolution to becoming a more welcoming and accessible campus to everyone.”
Using a path of travel, the robots use millimeter-level precision to determine existing barriers to accessibility. The robots travel pathways someone with a disability could use to access any campus building, from parking to their destination.
“Our robots take on the dirty, dull and dangerous parts of accessibility mapping while providing accurate and actionable data,” said Andy Craig, vice president of sales at Daxbot. “We collect extensive sidewalk condition data to support the university’s accessibility goals. It’s a win for everyone.”
The robots will be traveling around campus until Oct. 17.
