A Study of a Traffic Controlling Robot for Safer Work Zones

Roadway construction sites are potentially dangerous work zones and pose a significant challenge to contractors and State Highway Agencies for maintaining adequate safety of workers and the traveling public. Currently, the use of humans and traffic signs are the typical methods of maintaining work zone safety. The purpose of this project is to explore the use of an advanced, autonomous and robotic system that has the ability to monitor traffic and provide real time alerts to workers and motorists to increase safety in a roadside construction zone. Through a literature review, a survey of the traveling public and highway agencies, and analysis of the survey data, recommendations for the integration of a robotic system that could enhance the safety of roadway construction zones are provided.