Dubai’s AI robot patrols the metro: Here’s how it’s saving thousands of man hours

Image credit: WAM/Website

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has provided an update on how its Automated Railway Infrastructure Inspection System (ARIIS), a cutting-edge AI-powered solution, is enhancing metro maintenance and inspections.

This smart robotic platform marks a significant leap in applying artificial intelligence in transportation, boosting safety and operational efficiency while drastically reducing reliance on manual inspections.

Read-Dubai Metro: How is it using AI to support infrastructure

The move aligns with Dubai’s long-term vision to become a global leader in AI and smart, sustainable infrastructure, a WAM report said.

Inside the technology

ARIIS is an autonomous robotic platform equipped with high-resolution 3D cameras, laser scanners, and advanced sensors. It operates primarily during night-time maintenance windows, performing thorough inspections of metro tracks and infrastructure without causing any disruption to passenger services.

As it navigates the network, ARIIS collects comprehensive data on track conditions, including wear and tear, cracks, and structural deviations. This data is then analysed using advanced AI algorithms to enable predictive maintenance. The system doesn’t just identify current issues, it anticipates future problems, allowing maintenance teams to act proactively.

This forward-looking approach significantly extends the life of metro infrastructure, reduces costly emergency interventions, and cuts routine maintenance expenses by up to 25 per cent.

Efficiency that speaks volumes

Since its implementation, ARIIS has delivered remarkable efficiency gains. Inspection times have dropped by 75 per cent, saving an estimated 1,700 human work hours. Traditional inspection activities have been reduced by 70 per cent, while the accuracy and speed of condition assessments have improved by 40 per cent.

The RTA also reports that ARIIS has helped optimise maintenance resource allocation by 40 per cent, thanks to the system’s real-time data analytics, which support smarter, data-driven decision-making.

These advances not only cut costs but also enhance the reliability and safety of the entire Dubai Metro network, benefitting daily commuters and operational staff alike.

What’s next for ARIIS?

Currently deployed on selected metro lines, ARIIS is undergoing phased implementation across the entire network. The RTA confirmed that full deployment will follow successful technical evaluations.

Looking ahead, the authority is considering expanding similar AI-based technologies to other forms of public transit, including the Dubai Tram, depending on infrastructure compatibility.

All ARIIS inspections are carried out according to the highest occupational safety standards and are centrally coordinated to ensure seamless integration with ongoing metro operations.