Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced the implementation of the Automated Railway Infrastructure Inspection System (ARIIS), a model for using AI in transport. The system aims to enhance maintenance efficiency, improve safety standards, and reduce reliance on traditional inspections that required significant time and resources.

The RTA reported that ARIIS marks a major step in Dubai Metro’s operational maintenance. The system aligns with Dubai’s vision to lead in artificial intelligence and sustainable infrastructure.

ARIIS is a robotic platform equipped with advanced sensors, lasers, and 3D cameras. It inspects rail tracks and critical infrastructure without disrupting metro operations. The RTA revealed that this smart solution supports proactive maintenance strategies and enables advanced diagnostics. It is also expected to extend infrastructure lifespan and cut periodic maintenance costs by up to 25 percent.

The Authority confirmed that real-time data analytics within ARIIS support precise maintenance decisions. This improves resource management efficiency by 40 percent and reduces unnecessary interventions. Since its introduction, ARIIS has:

• Reduced time for periodic inspections by 75 percent, saving nearly 1,700 human working hours.
• Cut traditional inspection operations by up to 70 percent.
• Improved infrastructure condition assessment by 40 percent.

The RTA announced that the system is being phased in across select metro lines. Following successful technical and operational evaluation, it will be extended to all routes. The Authority is also studying the possibility of applying ARIIS or similar technologies to other modes of transport, such as the tram, depending on infrastructure and operational needs.

The system collects detailed data on rail conditions, cracks, wear and tear, and deviations. This information is analysed with AI algorithms to enable data-driven predictive maintenance. The approach enhances infrastructure sustainability and extends service life.

The RTA noted that inspections are conducted in line with safety standards, coordinated with the control centre, and scheduled during nightly maintenance windows. This ensures minimal impact on metro operations and passenger services. The Authority reported that inspections are now faster and more accurate, with no need to suspend or delay services.

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