Daxbot Robots Are Transforming Sidewalk Evaluations in Irvine
The City of Irvine has embarked on a significant step towards improving accessibility across its public spaces, launching a citywide evaluation of sidewalks and curb ramps under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Leading the charge is Bureau Veritas, the City’s accessibility consultant, who has teamed up with Daxbot to introduce advanced urban service robots to the process.
The scale of the undertaking is impressive, covering more than 9,000 curb ramps and approximately 950 miles of sidewalks. This effort is designed to ensure Irvine’s infrastructure meets the needs of all residents, with a particular focus on removing barriers for people with disabilities and older adults.
Michael Cunniff, Senior Project Manager at Bureau Veritas, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “Bureau Veritas, serving as the City of Irvine’s accessibility consultant, is leveraging Daxbot’s comprehensive public right-of-way assessment data. This detailed information will be integrated with building and facility accessibility assessments to inform the City of Irvine’s ADA compliance priorities and develop a comprehensive Accessibility Transition Plan.”
Precision Mapping at Millimetre Level
Daxbot’s robots bring a cutting-edge approach to urban mapping, equipped with GPS and advanced onboard sensors capable of millimetre-level measurement. By using RTK-enabled positioning systems with accuracy typically within 2–5 centimetres, the robots record vital data points such as width, cross-slope, surface condition, and curb-ramp geometry.
These measurements are more than just numbers—they are crucial for engineers tasked with identifying obstacles and prioritising infrastructure upgrades. This precision ensures that future improvements are both targeted and effective.
Joseph Sullivan, Co-founder of Daxbot, underscored the broader implications: “Partnering with Irvine marks a milestone in urban accessibility. The city is demonstrating how robotics can deliver actionable assessment data in weeks instead of years, benefiting everyone, especially those with disabilities and older adults.”
From South to North: A Citywide Rollout
The deployment began in southern Irvine in late August, with robots gradually moving northward. Real-time monitoring ensures efficiency and safety, and field technicians remain on standby to provide troubleshooting when necessary.
The City has also issued guidance for the public: if you see a Daxbot unit in action, treat it as you would a member of the Public Works & Sustainability team. The robots move at walking speed, yield to pedestrians, and should not be obstructed while carrying out their tasks.
Integrating Data for a Holistic Accessibility Plan
One of the project’s strengths lies in its integration of robotic data with broader accessibility assessments. Bureau Veritas will merge the information gathered from Daxbot with evaluations of buildings and facilities, creating a holistic picture of Irvine’s accessibility landscape.
The resulting Accessibility Transition Plan will guide the City in making data-driven decisions that address both immediate and long-term infrastructure needs, ensuring compliance with ADA requirements and adherence to Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG).
Robotics and the Future of Municipal Inspections
This initiative positions Irvine among the early adopters of robotics for large-scale accessibility surveys. Traditionally, such evaluations could take years to complete using manual inspections, requiring significant manpower and often yielding less precise results. With Daxbot’s autonomous units, the timeline is compressed dramatically without compromising quality.
Beyond ADA compliance, this technology has the potential to reshape how cities approach routine maintenance, public safety audits, and urban planning. Automated data collection offers municipalities the ability to:
- Conduct more frequent assessments without ballooning budgets
- Capture consistent, high-quality data across large areas
- Prioritise repairs based on objective, measurable criteria
About the Partners
Daxbot specialises in human-friendly autonomous robots that gather highly accurate, actionable data to help municipalities meet ADA and PROWAG standards. Their systems are designed not only for precision but also for safe interaction within urban environments.
Bureau Veritas is a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification services. With over 82,000 employees in more than 1,600 offices and laboratories worldwide, the company brings unparalleled expertise to compliance projects across a wide range of industries.
A Step Towards a More Inclusive City
As Irvine pushes ahead with this ambitious project, it sets a benchmark for other cities looking to combine technological innovation with public service. By embracing robotics for accessibility evaluations, Irvine is not only streamlining the compliance process but also making a tangible investment in the mobility and independence of its residents.
The initiative reflects a broader trend in urban management—where smart technology is not just a convenience but a vital tool for creating inclusive, liveable communities.
