Robot roadside worker unveiled in Tas

A robotic traffic controller with beard and beanie has been given the job of warning Tasmanian motorists of approaching roadworks.

Nicknamed Worksite Wili, the life-sized high-vis humanoid is being trialled at locations where sight-distances are short or where traffic queues.

His task is to stand and wave an illuminated baton while real-life workers go about their business.

Tasmania's Department of State Growth teamed-up with civil contractor Stornoway to bring Wili to the state after earlier trials in NSW and Victoria.

"If he does a good job, he could become a permanent member of the team," the company said in a statement.

Wili will be deployed at roadworks in Tasmania's north-west over the next ten days.

As part of the state's road safety week in May, police urged drivers to slow down for roadside workers.

Two workers have been killed and one injured in the past five years.