University of Evansville students develop robot to map sidewalk accessibility

Students at the University of Evansville have developed a GPS-equipped robot named Gizmo as part of the Sidewalks4All project. The robot utilizes artificial intelligence and computer vision to scan sidewalks for obstacles and assess their condition.

Gizmo is designed to identify curb ramps, crosswalks, and sidewalk damage. The data collected will be used to create a comprehensive map of sidewalk conditions in Evansville. This initiative aims to identify accessibility barriers for individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility devices. The project is currently launching in the Evansville Promise Neighborhood with the long-term goal of mapping the entire city.