Testing autonomous robots in the streets of Aarhus
How can autonomous robots become part of everyday city life? As part of the ARLI project, Aarhus Municipality and Capra Robotics are testing how robots can support municipal services, including winter maintenance.
In the coming months, residents and visitors in Aarhus may encounter an autonomous robot operating near Dokk1 and the harbour.
The test is part of the European Space Agency (ESA) funded ARLI project, which explores how autonomous robots can be used for municipal tasks in public spaces.
From navigation to winter maintenance
Together with Capra Robotics, Aarhus Municipality is testing a robot designed to support winter maintenance by spreading de-icing agents on pavements and other public areas.
Before the robot can carry out these tasks, it needs to navigate safely through the city. Using onboard sensors, the robot scans and maps its surroundings to create a digital representation of its route.
The tests will provide valuable insights into how autonomous robots can operate in busy urban environments, interact with pedestrians and cyclists, and become part of existing municipal operations.
From testing to real-world applications
The ARLI project is not only about testing whether robots can perform specific tasks. It also explores what it takes to make autonomous robots a practical and scalable solution for municipal services.
How do people react when they encounter a robot in public? What does it take to operate robots safely alongside pedestrians and cyclists? And how can municipalities integrate robotic solutions into their daily operations?
Understanding these challenges is essential for identifying opportunities to scale up robotic solutions and bring them to market.
Aarhus as a testing ground
The ARLI activities are part of a broader effort in Aarhus to explore the potential of robotics in public spaces.
Alongside the ARLI project, other companies are testing robotic solutions in the city. For example, Heibjerg is testing an autonomous weed control robot at Vestre Cemetery.
Together, these initiatives contribute to a better understanding of how robotics can support future municipal services.
The Capra robot equipped with a salt spreader. Once navigation testing is complete, the robot can be used to explore how autonomous technology could support winter maintenance in Aarhus.