Innisfil to test sidewalk snow-clearing robots this winter
While snow may be the last thing on many people’s minds, two new snow clearing robots are preparing to clear the sidewalks of Cookstown this winter.
“We get a ton of snow here sometimes there will be nothing then there will be a storm and the sidewalk plow will come and pile it up and the street plow will come by and pile it up as well, so I think this is a brilliant thing to try,” said resident Andy Stein.
The robots are the first 100 per cent electric sidewalk snowplows in the world and are part of a pilot project with Swap Robotics, making the Town of Innisfil the first to test the technology.
“We are known for our innovation, so we want to try something like this to see how well it does and clears our sidewalks,” said Innisfil Mayor Lynn Dollin. “It’s also more sustainable because they are electric, so they will be less noisy and safer for the environment.”
On Monday, Swap Robotics demonstrated how the technology would work in preparation for the first snowfall.
“We are just running the routes they are going to be performing this winter, so by the time the snow starts falling, we are ready for it,” said Tim Lichti, Swap Robotics CEO.
Lichti said each robot uses sensors and pinpoint GPS to navigate the network of sidewalks.
Not only clearing snow but salting as well, to prevent those slippery falls.
“We pre-map the routes it’s going to take as well as the plow angles and salt rate and then an in-person chaperon walks with the robot for added safety along the way,” Lichti said.
Other safety features include a backup beeper, lights and an emergency off switch.
“Depth sensors and cameras can stop the robot if there is someone within 20 feet of it,” Lichti said.
The Town of Innisfil is looking for help to name one of the snowbots and is accepting submissions online until Oct. 31.
The winner will receive a $100 gift card to a restaurant of their choice.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
developing Bus plunges off a bridge in South Africa, killing 45 people. An 8-year-old child is only survivor
A bus carrying worshippers headed to an Easter festival plunged off a bridge on a mountain pass and burst into flames in South Africa on Thursday, killing at least 45 people, authorities said.
Calgary bridges remain closed due to ongoing police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Kinew, Poilievre meet at Manitoba legislature, discuss each other's priorities
Premier Wab Kinew and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre met at the Manitoba legislature Thursday afternoon.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.