Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) is deploying AI-driven robots to inspect the Dubai Metro rail infrastructure.

Working with Keolis MHI and Future Maintenance Technologies (FMT), it is deploying the Automated Rail Infrastructure Inspection System (ARIIS) to improve Dubai Metro’s operational maintenance.

ARIIS, a robotics platform equipped with lidar sensors, lasers and 3D cameras, autonomously inspects rail tracks and critical infrastructure without interrupting metro operations. This should help Dubai Metro enhance safety, efficiency and reliability through smart technologies.

“Dubai is proud to lead in smart options to improve reliability and efficiency of Dubai Metro,” said Abdul Mohsin Kalbat, CEO of the rail agency at RTA (www.rta.ae). “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 (www.keolis-mhi.com), a partnership between Dubai-based Keolis and Mitsubishi, added: “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.”

And Loic Ayoul, CEO of Australian firm FMT (www.thinkfmt.com), said: “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.

Looking ahead, ARIIS is more than a robot, it’s a smart, AI-driven offering that demonstrates the future of transport maintenance. It supports Dubai’s smart city goals, contributes to a sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and reflects a commitment to leveraging emerging technologies to enhance everyday life for citizens and visitors.

With faster inspections, safer operations and smarter planning, Dubai Metro says it continues to raise the bar for urban transport, contributing to Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovation and intelligent mobility.

The implementation of ARIIS promises several measurable benefits:

• Safety: Reducing manual inspections by up to 70% and improving the capability to assess infrastructure condition more effectively by 40%.
• Operational efficiency: Automation decreases inspection duration by approximately 75%, allowing for more frequent inspections without impacting service, thereby improving overall system reliability. As an example, 2400 person-hours can be brought down to 700 with ARIIS. 
• Predictive maintenance: Diagnostics provided by ARIIS facilitate proactive maintenance, potentially extending the lifespan of infrastructure and reducing lifecycle maintenance costs by up to 25%.
• Decision-making: Real-time data analytics enable precise, informed maintenance actions, enhancing resource management efficiency by 40% and reducing unnecessary interventions.

• The RTA has selected ClearGuide software from Texas-based Iteris (www.iteris.com) to monitor the city’s roadways and intersections. The 42-month, multimillion-dollar software-as-a-service contract will bring ClearGuide (www.iteris.com/oursolutions/traffic-analytics-software/clearguide) to Dubai. Iteris is working with TrafQuest (www.trafquest.com), a local transportation technology provider, on the project.