As cities worldwide race toward smarter, more sustainable transportation, Dubai continues to lead with pioneering innovations in artificial intelligence. The latest advancement comes from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), which has introduced the Automated Railway Infrastructure Inspection System (ARIIS), an advanced solution transforming metro infrastructure monitoring and maintenance.

ARIIS showcases the practical application of AI in public transport, designed to improve operational efficiency, enhance safety, and reduce reliance on time-consuming traditional inspections. The initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader vision of becoming a global hub for AI and sustainable urban development.

The system is a sophisticated robotic platform equipped with sensors, lasers, and 3D cameras. It autonomously scans rail tracks and key infrastructure components without disrupting metro services. This reinforces Dubai Metro’s commitment to smart technologies that enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability.

“ARIIS enables the use of proactive maintenance strategies supported by advanced diagnostics, helping extend infrastructure lifespan and cut maintenance costs by up to 25%,” the RTA stated. Real-time analytics further enhance decision-making, increasing resource management efficiency by 40% and reducing unnecessary interventions.

Since its launch, ARIIS has reduced periodic inspection times by 75%, saved nearly 1,700 labor hours, and cut traditional inspections by up to 70%. It has also increased infrastructure assessment accuracy by 40%, enabling faster maintenance and reducing emergency interventions.

The RTA confirmed that the system is being gradually deployed across select metro lines, with a full rollout planned following technical evaluations. The Authority added, “We are also exploring the use of ARIIS or similar technologies for other transport modes, such as trams. ”

By collecting and analyzing detailed rail data with AI algorithms, ARIIS enables predictive maintenance and ensures inspections are completed with minimal service disruption—setting a new benchmark for smart, sustainable transit infrastructure.