Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled a cutting-edge robotic system that promises to transform how the city monitors and maintains its metro infrastructure. The Automated Rail Infrastructure Inspection System (ARIIS), developed in collaboration with Keolis MHI and Future Maintenance Technologies (FMT), uses artificial intelligence and advanced robotics to carry out inspections with unprecedented efficiency and precision.
The ARIIS robot is equipped with high-tech features, including LiDAR sensors, 3D cameras, and laser technology. It operates autonomously, scanning tracks and infrastructure components without disrupting metro services. This innovation underscores Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global leader in smart mobility and sustainable urban development.
“Dubai is proud to lead in smart solutions to improve reliability and efficiency of Dubai Metro,” said Abdul Mohsin Kalbat, CEO of RTA’s Rail Agency. “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, described ARIIS as a “milestone achievement,” noting its ability to boost safety, optimize inspections, and support data-driven decisions that improve system-wide performance.
FMT CEO Loic Ayoul echoed the sentiment, highlighting the importance of Dubai’s forward-thinking approach. “ARIIS delivers substantial improvements in railway infrastructure performance, safety, and sustainability for Dubai Metro,” he said.
The benefits of ARIIS are both immediate and long-term. Inspection time is expected to drop by 75%, while manual inspections can be reduced by up to 70%. Not only does this enhance safety and reliability, but it also frees up thousands of man-hours, improves resource allocation, and lowers maintenance costs by as much as 25%.