In a move to enhance safety along Jumeirah 3 beach, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has deployed a state-of-the-art, AI-powered robot to detect violations by bicycle and electric scooter users. Standing five feet tall and weighing 200 kilograms, the robot comes equipped with a 4K camera and four motion sensors to ensure adherence to road safety regulations.
During a one-month trial period, the robot will monitor the area without issuing fines, focusing on common violations such as the failure to wear a helmet, having multiple riders on an e-scooter, and the use of e-scooters in unauthorized areas.
“For the next 30 days, the robot will patrol about 600 meters along the jogging and cycling track of Jumeirah Beach 3, operating at varied times throughout the week,” explained Hamad Alafeefi, director at RTA’s Enterprise Command and Control Department (EC3) in a Khaleej Times report.
The robo-inspector, developed by Chinese company Terminus, operates autonomously and boasts an 85% accuracy in identifying violations. It also has the capability to make public announcements and can operate under different weather conditions, ensuring the safety and security of road users.
Although the robot encountered an e-scooter rider without a helmet during its launch, no fines were issued due to its trial status. Alafeefi emphasized the importance of accuracy before proceeding with enforcement measures and mentioned that facial recognition linked to Emirates ID might be considered for identifying violators in the future.
The introduction of the robot has sparked discussions about the registration of e-scooters and the need for riders to obtain permits, as suggested by road safety experts. This initiative is part of Dubai’s broader efforts to promote safe and responsible use of e-scooters, following the issuance of over 63,500 e-scooter permits since April 2022.