Monitor Trem Drivers, Dubai Artificial Intelligence Trials: Heart Rate To Judging Driving Style

Illustration of trams in Dubai, UAE. (Wikimedia Commons/Maurits90)

JAKARTA - The Dubai transportation authority, United Arab Emirates (UAE) is piloting the use of artificial intelligence, to monitor tram drivers.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on Sunday said the data collected could be used to reduce accidents, prevent unsafe driving, show incident hotspots and improve passenger safety.

The system includes smart devices and armbands that track driver's heart rate, speech pattern, and reaction time to assess driving style, unsafe patterns and movements based on profile.

The RTA said the data collected was then "processed from routine incidents and operations to provide a comprehensive understanding of individuals".

"The network of transportation and its assets is widely known as an important infrastructure that requires special attention to details and protection," said Hassan Al Mutawa, director of train operations at RTA, as reported by The National News on October 30.

"Seeing the potential for human error and how to reduce it, Dubai Roads and Transport Authority uses the latest innovative solutions such as artificial intelligence. After successful trials, we hope to implement them throughout Dubai trams," he said.

This is the third phase of a trial using an in-depth learning model developed by Spanish company Own Experiences, which has a research and development office in the UAE called "Postility".

Three years ago, RTA introduced facial recognition software, to monitor stress levels and signs of fatigue among drivers.

The RTA said if the driver showed signs of fatigue or lack of concentration, warning was sent from the main control room through a series of sounds and vibrations of the chair.

It is known that the Dubai Trem, which stretches along Jalan Al Sufouh and Jalan Pantai Jumeirah, was opened in 2014 and operated by Keolis MHI. The tram network is connected to Dubai Metro and Palm Jumeirah monorel.