UAE: Technology Can Beat COVID-19!

At GITEX 2020, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will launch a host of smart services, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in taxis during COVID-19, augmented reality (AR) to direct customers to RTA service points, and the use of drones to inspect Dubai Metro tunnels.

The event, taking place Sunday to Thursday in Dubai, will also see the launch of RTA’s nol mini, a card as small as a key holder. Mattar Mohammad Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, RTA, said: “We have charted out a clear road map for the future of smart mobility up to 2071, and developed a master plan for digitisation and the introduction of the 4th Industrial Revolution technologies in the transport sector. Deliverables include the Self-Driving Transport Strategy 2030, Mobility Digitisation Strategy, AI Strategy 2025, and the Improvement of the 4th Industrial Revolution Lab for Transport.

RTA is also embracing future technology applications such as the blockchain, paperless transactions, big data, AI and the internet of things [IoT].” During the show, RTA will demonstrate the use of AI and big data to track how taxi drivers follow the standards of safe driving and to validate compliance with the precautionary steps of COVID-19 by both public transport drivers and passengers, such as physical distance and wearing face masks.

RTA will identify congested spots and install more buses on those routes with the use of big data to detect spatial distance between passengers, which can also help ensure physical distance. GITEX’s RTA projects include coordinating the timing of the metro and mapping the bus routes using AI. The technology can also identify high-demand taxi spots, assist with proactive bus repairs, and among other applications, boost bus operations. The smart guidance project operated by AR technology to help consumers find out such sites, such as payment and service points at metro stations, is also included in the display projects.