Dubai RTA launches AI-powered initiatives at GITEX Global 2023
Model of world’s first 3D printed abra goes on display
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is launching AI and big data-powered initiatives at GITEX Global – the world’s largest tech and startup show – held at Dubai World Trade Centre from October 16-20, 2023.
New smart gate
At its stand at GITEX Global 2023, Dubai RTA is showcasing a new smart gate that allows commuters to pay fares for Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, Dubai RTA public buses, all taxis, and Dubai RTA marine transport in Dubai emirate through facial recognition without using paper tickets, nol cards, or credit and debit cards.
The intelligent gate system operates by first identifying and registering a user. The system first analyses a user’s face in 3D via cameras. The user’s facial image is then transmitted to a biodata database that matches the facial image. The fare amount is automatically deducted from a user’s account if the image reaches the database.
Transfer ownership of plate number
Dubai RTA is also unveiling the transfer of ownership of vehicle number plates via the Dubai RTA Dubai Drive app. This new service integrates with the UAE Pass app. It eliminates the need for vehicle owners in Dubai emirate having to visit Dubai RTA customer service centres to transfer their vehicle’s number plates.
3D printed abra
Dubai RTA is also exhibiting a model of the world’s first electric abra (small passenger boat) manufactured via 3D printing technology.
Able to accommodate 20 passengers, the abra is designed to resemble heritage wooden hull abras and features an electric motor instead of a fossil fuel engine. The 3D-printed abra initiative supports the Dubai government’s 3D printing strategy while reducing the manufacturing time of abra vessels by up to 90%.
Predicting parking availability
Dubai RTA is also leveraging AI and big data to predict public parking occupancy across Dubai emirate by analysing transactions and parking inspection data. The Dubai RTA’s new AI model analyses and processes around 2.5 million parking reservation transactions and 600,000 inspection transactions by predicting the parking occupancy for every hour for two weeks in advance and calculating the occupancy for every 15 minutes.
This new initiative enables drivers in Dubai emirate to plan their driving trips by knowing the expected occupancy rates for public parking lots.
Dubai RTA is also displaying a new smart kiosk at GITEX Global 2023 and is unveiling a revamped version of the Dubai RTA app,
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, Dubai RTA, said: “[Dubai] RTA is committed to harnessing emerging technologies and AI to boost productivity, elevate operational efficiency, and enhance customer services
“[Dubai] RTA has numerous key projects and initiatives in smart transport systems such as smart control centres for public transport systems, and self-driving transport, as well as enablers of the 4th Industrial Revolution such as the Internet of Things, AI applications, machine learning, big data, the incorporation of robots, and electric energy technologies and solutions in mobility,” said Al Tayer.
He added: “[Dubai] RTA is seeking to realise the Dubai Strategy for Smart Self-Driving Transport, to transform 25% of mobility journeys in Dubai into smart and driverless journeys by 2030. In cooperation with GM Cruise, RTA is gearing up to deploy autonomous Cruise vehicles for taxi and e-hail rides. The number is set to grow gradually to reach 4,000 vehicles by 2030,” Al Tayer concluded.
Featured image: A visitor samples VR technology at the RTA stand at a previous GITEX Global edition. Image: Dubai RTA
Last Updated on 10 months by Arnold Pinto
