Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced the Automated Railway Infrastructure Inspection System (ARIIS), an artificial intelligence–powered platform designed to transform the way Dubai Metro tracks and infrastructure are maintained.
The system represents a shift from traditional manual inspections to autonomous monitoring, using robotic platforms equipped with sensors, lasers and 3D cameras. It inspects tracks and key assets without interrupting operations, ensuring passenger services remain unaffected.
According to the RTA, ARIIS has cut the time required for periodic inspections by 75%, saving nearly 1,700 working hours, while reducing conventional inspection operations by up to 70%. The system also supports proactive maintenance strategies that extend the service life of infrastructure and lower periodic maintenance costs by as much as 25%.
Real-time data analytics provided by the system helps maintenance teams make faster, more precise decisions. This has improved infrastructure condition assessments by 40%, streamlined maintenance procedures, and reduced the need for emergency interventions. The technology is also credited with boosting resource management efficiency by 40%.
ARIIS is currently being phased in across selected metro lines, with plans for a wider rollout once technical and operational evaluations are complete. The RTA is also assessing the potential of extending similar inspection technologies to other modes of transport, including the Dubai Tram, depending on operational needs.
Inspections are carried out during nightly maintenance windows in coordination with the control centre, ensuring compliance with safety standards and avoiding disruption to daily services. The system collects detailed data on rail wear, cracks and deviations, which is then analysed using AI algorithms to support predictive maintenance.