Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in partnership with Keolis MHI and Future Maintenance Technologies (FMT), has unveiled a groundbreaking AI-driven robotic inspection solution known as the Automated Rail Infrastructure Inspection System (ARIIS). This cutting-edge technology represents a major breakthrough in the operational maintenance of the Dubai Metro, aligning with Dubai’s ambition to become a global leader in Artificial Intelligence and sustainable infrastructure, according to a statement.
ARIIS is an advanced robotic platform outfitted with the latest LiDAR sensors, lasers, and 3D cameras, allowing it to autonomously inspect rail tracks and critical infrastructure without disrupting metro operations. This solution highlights Dubai Metro’s dedication to enhancing safety, efficiency, and reliability through innovative smart technologies.
Milestone in maintenance
Abdul Mohsin Kalbat, CEO of RTA’s Rail Agency, emphasized: “Dubai is proud to lead in smart solutions to improve reliability and efficiency of Dubai Metro. The introduction of ARIIS represents another significant leap in our journey to maintain our Metro as one of the most advanced and safest public transportation networks globally.”
David Franks, managing director of Keolis MHI, commented: “ARIIS is a milestone achievement, significantly transforming our maintenance operations by improving safety, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making. It’s a game-changer for rail infrastructure management in Dubai.”
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with RTA and Keolis MHI in bringing ARIIS to Dubai. The RTA and Keolis MHI are truly forward-thinking companies that are leveraging advanced robotics and AI technologies, with ARIIS delivering substantial improvements in railway infrastructure performance, safety, and sustainability for Dubai Metro,” stated FMT’s CEO, Loic Ayoul.
Looking forward, ARIIS is more than just a robot; it’s a smart, AI-driven solution that exemplifies the future of transport maintenance. It supports Dubai’s Smart City objectives, contributes to a sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and reflects a steadfast commitment to harnessing emerging technologies to enhance daily life for both citizens and visitors.
Read more: Dubai RTA launches traffic enhancements at 40 locations with 9 school zone upgrades
Elevating urban transport standards
With quicker inspections, safer operations, and smarter planning, Dubai Metro continues to elevate urban transport standards, boosting Dubai’s status as a global hub for innovation and intelligent mobility.
The implementation of ARIIS further promises several measurable and significant benefits:
- Safety enhanced: Reduction of manual inspections by up to 70 percent and improved capability to assess infrastructure condition more effectively by 40 percent.
- Operational efficiency boosted: Automation decreases inspection duration by approximately 75 percent, enabling more frequent inspections without affecting service, thereby enhancing overall system reliability. For instance, 2,400 man-hours can be reduced to just 700 man-hours with ARIIS.
- Predictive maintenance: Advanced diagnostics provided by ARIIS facilitate proactive maintenance strategies, potentially extending the lifespan of infrastructure and decreasing lifecycle maintenance costs by up to 25 percent.
- Optimized decision-making: Real-time data analytics enable precise, informed maintenance actions, enhancing resource management efficiency by 40 percent and minimizing unnecessary interventions.
