The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is set to unveil a groundbreaking array of projects and innovative initiatives harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and metaverse technologies at GITEX 2023. The event is scheduled to commence on Monday, October 1, 2023, at the prestigious Dubai World Trade Centre.
Among the remarkable innovations showcased at the RTA’s stand is a cutting-edge smart gate designed to revolutionize the way public transport fares are paid, leveraging state-of-the-art facial recognition technology.
Travel on Dubai Transport without Nol Cards
The smart gate on display promises to redefine the experience of fare payment for various modes of public transport in Dubai, including the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, buses, taxis, and marine transport.
Notably, this system introduces an entirely ticketless and cardless approach, eliminating the need for traditional tickets, Nol cards, or credit cards.
The underlying mechanism operates by registering and accurately identifying the user. It achieves this through advanced camera technology that captures the user’s face and performs a sophisticated 3D analysis.
The captured image is then transformed into bio data, which is meticulously matched with the user’s facial features. Subsequently, the fare amount is seamlessly deducted from the user’s account.
This groundbreaking initiative has far-reaching implications, as it contributes to the harmonization of transport services with other integral systems. It streamlines and expedites transaction processing, ultimately enhancing the operational efficiency of services while simultaneously reducing the reliance on cash transactions.
RTAs Facial Recognition Technology
The integration of facial recognition technology not only showcases Dubai’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge innovations but also signifies a significant step towards a more secure, convenient, and efficient future for public transportation.
Transfer Ownership of Plate Number
Demonstrating its commitment to adopting the latest technologies, RTA will introduce a service for transferring ownership of vehicle number plates via the RTA Dubai Drive app. The app allows customers to complete the selling procedures using the digital ID “UAE PASS,” eliminating the need to visit any of RTA’s service centres.
The service offers a unique experience, allowing the customer to complete the transaction via the smart app, complete the sales procedures that begin by registering in the system using the digital ID “UAE PASS,” complete the service procedures and securely sign the sales contract using the e-signature.
Predict Vacant Parking in Dubai
RTA is leveraging AI and big data to predict parking occupancy based on analysing transactions and parking inspection data. The AI model analyses and processes around 2.5 million parking reservation transactions and 600 thousand inspection transactions, by predicting the parking occupancy for every hour for two full weeks in advance and calculating the occupancy for every 15 minutes.
This initiative enables customers to plan trips by knowing the expected occupancy rates for parking lots through RTA’s smart apps.
As part of its initiative, RTA is also displaying the smart kiosk, the integrated platform for monitoring and managing the operations of soft mobility service providers, an indicator for measuring the risk of drivers, monitoring passenger movement at stations, and a congestion index.
3D Abra in Dubai
RTA will display a model of the world’s first Abra, manufactured using 3D printing technology in partnership with the private sector.
With a capacity to accommodate 20 passengers, the Abra employs eco-friendly electric motors and boasts a design that preserves the heritage identity of Abras.
This initiative contributes to supporting the government’s efforts to achieve Dubai’s 3D printing strategy, slash the manufacturing time of Abras by 90%, reduce the manufacturing cost by 30%, and support RTA’s strategy for environmental sustainability.
GITEX 2023
The RTA’s initiatives at GITEX 2023 reflect the region’s dedication to pioneering technological advancements and ensuring a seamless and hassle-free transportation experience for its residents and visitors alike.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, RTA said: “RTA is committed to harnessing emerging technologies and AI to boost productivity, elevate operational efficiency, and enhance customer services. This drive is aligned with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, to foster wellbeing in Dubai by offering diverse options for residents with a view to transforming Dubai into the best city for living in the world.
“Such efforts echo the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council, to enhance Dubai’s global competitiveness and set it as a benchmark in developing governmental business, ensuring high efficiency, and a fully digital life.”
“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,” commented Al Tayer.
“RTA is keen to keep pace with the future direction of the Dubai government, in transforming into smart, innovative, and sustainable cities using cutting-edge communications technologies and digital solutions. 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 the American company 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,” he explained.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
