Enfield Wants A Robot For An Unusual Job

ENFIELD, CT — Enfield may soon put a robot to work painting lines on its athletic fields.

The Department of Public Works issued a request for proposals Wednesday for an automated, GPS-guided robotic field-marking system. Bids are due by 11 a.m. Sept. 9.

The machine would use satellite guidance to follow a programmed field layout and paint the necessary lines. Similar systems are used to mark soccer, football, baseball and other athletic fields without workers having to measure and paint each line by hand.

There would be no shortage of work for it. Enfield's Building and Grounds Division is responsible for 20 ball fields, 13 soccer fields and one football field, along with tennis courts, playgrounds and other recreational facilities.

The division also handles outdoor maintenance at the town's 12 schools. Each year, crews mow about 188 acres surrounding municipal buildings and recreation fields, plus another 200 acres of school property.

The town did not include an anticipated purchase price in its bid announcement. Proposals will be reviewed after the Sept. 9 deadline.

Bid documents are available through the town's online purchasing page. Questions may be directed to Deputy Public Works Director Carl Johnson at 860-763-8806 or cajohnson@enfield.org.