Dubai’s RTA deploys AI in taxis to curb virus spread

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as computer vision and machine learning algorithms, proved effective in detecting and reporting violations of Covid-19 preventive measures, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) asserted.

Such monitoring covers physical distancing and wearing of face masks onboard taxis by passengers or drivers.

“AI technologies have been employed to monitor and verify the compliance with the preventive measures undertaken to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The technology can also report offences such as the failure to observe physical distancing, and the improper wearing of face masks, thanks to video analysis feature,” said Ahmed Mahboub, executive director of smart services, corporate technology support services sector, RTA.

“The use of AI technologies achieved a success rate of 100 per cent. The introduction of this technology was on a trial base, and according to the deliverables, the technology will be generalised to all fleet vehicles,” Mahboub said.

AI devices were programmed to scan human faces and verify if the mask is worn correctly, while the technology has a mathematical feature that calculates the distance between passengers and the driver as well, the executive director added.

Earlier this month, RTA unveiled its new generation of bus shelters at four locations within Dubai, built in association with the private sector.

Read: Dubai’s RTA partners with private sector to build new-gen bus shelters

The UAE has reported  42,636 cases and 291 deaths since the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus in China last year.