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
BREAKING King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.