• In a move that aims at promoting innovative technologies within the transport sector

Abu Dhabi: The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi has announced its participation in the UAE Innovation Month, under the slogan of “UAE Innovates 2023”. The ITC’s participation stemmed out of its keenness to reinforce the culture and values of innovation and creativity in the transport sector. Throughout the Innovation Month, the ITC showcased a number of innovative projects and initiatives that enhance the quality of services provided in the public transport sector and contribute to the establishment of a smart and sustainable transport system. The projects and initiatives also act to efficiently facilitate movement of the emirate's residents and visitors, promote road security and safety, and support the achievement of the UAE’s sustainable development goals, in accordance with the vision of our wise leadership.

The ITC stated that the UAE Innovation Month presents an ideal opportunity to support the culture of innovation nationwide. The month also highlighted significant initiatives, smart projects, as well as ground-breaking solutions that increase the efficiency of operations in the government and private sectors, enhance the quality of services provided to the public, and support local development on multiple levels. The ITC also emphasized that the UAE Innovation Month acts as a chance to build capacities, harbor national talents and competencies, and promote the culture of innovation in government and private institutions through a supportive culture that encourages individuals to develop initiatives and turn them into a reality.

During the ITC’s participation in “UAE Innovates 2023”, the ITC featured a number of projects and initiatives through a special exhibition held in conjunction with the Innovation Month at the ITC’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi. A number of strategic stakeholders in the government and private sectors have also participated in the exhibition by showcasing their latest innovations and technologies in relation to the transport sector, emphasizing the importance of innovation in transforming the transportation sector, facilitating individuals’ movements, and improving the quality of services provided.

One of the initiatives conceptualized by ITC is a smart project consisting of smart gates for weighing trucks and detecting overloaded trucks in particular. This project, which enhances the functions of truck axle weighing stations, is an integrated smart system that consists of electronic sensors to detect heavy weights through 3D laser measurement system using 3D scanners to measure vehicle’s dimensions including its height, size, number of axels, double tires and its speed. This project facilitates the monitoring of trucks weights and dimensions, making sure they conform with the applicable requirements and specifications aiming at maintaining the safety and security of road users according to the strategy set by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The project is also in line with ITC’s vision that supports establishing a strong and highly developed infrastructure in the sector and ensuring its sustainability on the long run.

Another innovation by the ITC is the early warning system to minimize the possibility of running a red light at intersections, through utilizing AI to monitor the location of the first stationary vehicle at a stop line within the vicinity of the traffic signal. It then issues a visual or audible warning, or both, to the driver. The system incorporates the use of an illuminated signal on the road in case the driver moves the vehicle while the traffic light is still red. The project aims at reducing traffic accidents resulting from driver distraction or lack of attention to the color of the traffic signal, contributing to increasing the level of safety for all road users.

Furthermore, the ITC has shed the light on its Smart Traffic Detour Inspection Project, through which a smart traffic patrol is provided with traffic monitoring technologies that inspect road detours and ensure their compliance with the scheme approved by the ITC. This project contributes to accelerating the procedures for detecting and monitoring traffic detours, it also saves the effort and time consumed by field inspections and ensures that necessary procedures are being adhered to.

A number of the ITC’s strategic stakeholders from the private research and academic sectors were given the opportunity to demonstrate projects, research ideas, and innovative applications in the field of transportation. For instance, the NYUAD presented a research on electronic security on the “Protection of Automated Driving Systems from Getting Hacked”. The research involves systems security, smart networks, and developed security practices that aids in the protection of the electronic infrastructure and contributes to adding value to the overall security of the electronic system in the smart transport sector.

The Middle East and North Africa Development Company also demonstrated a number of projects related to the smart transport sector, including a smart driving test system and a smart tracking and monitoring system which allows vehicle tracking and automated reporting of serious accidents without the need for individuals to report, supported by video analysis and traffic control systems at intersections to monitor violations and categorize vehicles. In addition, a smart parking monitoring system which includes fixed cameras that operate using solar energy and mobile cameras enhanced with AI that is able to calculate Mawaqif parking fees, alert drivers, and issue absent violations.

On the other hand, Jacobs Engineering Services Company presented a project called "Charging on the Move", which utilizes the possibility of charging electric vehicles without the need to stop. As for Bayanat, a G42 organization, has displayed the latest technologies related to self-driving vehicles, and has provided opportunities for employees to experience them. The Emirates Driving Company has offered a self-driving simulation experience, which is regarded as a major milestone in the transport sector, as it relies on AI in analyzing data, detecting the environment around the vehicle, and automatically avoiding obstructions in a manner that guarantees passengers safety.

Whereas Tahaluf Al Emarat Technical Solutions has featured multiple innovative projects such as smart bus shelters that utilize modern technologies to enhance the transport experience for passengers. The shelters have a number of advantages that utilizes AI and the Internet of Things, and are powered by solar energy. These include; screens for outdoor advertisements, kiosks displaying e-government services applications, and smart screens displaying bus information. Passengers can also charge their mobile phones and e-scooters using charging outlets available at the shelter. Additionally, elegantly-designed and modern wireless charging platforms will also be provided at the shelters. Moreover, energy-saving technologies such as smart air conditioning, humidity sensors and cool air flow vents help provide a comfortable waiting experience for passengers.

The company's team of safety experts have equipped the shelters with the latest safety and security technologies, including cameras integrated with AI technologies that operate using biometric technology, for the purpose of ensuring the highest levels of safety and comfort for bus passengers.

Moreover, Tahaluf Al Emarat Technical Solutions has showcased its parking inspection system using AI-Vpark, which is an AI-powered smart vehicle that patrols assigned areas. The smart vehicle is able to detect and recognize parked vehicles and record license plate number, color, model, make, as well as other details. It can also detect multiple types of real-time parking violations. The system massively reinforces efficiency of management and operations in the parking inspection process, it also raises the quality levels of supervision and security in the city. Furthermore, the system organizes and facilitates parking spots, prevents traffic congestion, preserves the environment by reducing traffic pollution, and makes the most out of asset management.

Finally, as a specialist organization in the research and study of modern technology, the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), represented by the Technological Innovation Institute (TII), presented a set of inventions and researches that serve and support the transport sector, under the titles of "The Next Generation of Mobility", "Thermal Composite Solutions for the Transportation Field", and "Self-Recovering Materials for Sustainable Transport”.

The participation of ITC and its strategic stakeholders in the “UAE Innovates 2023” is in line with its efforts to promote a culture of innovation in the public transport sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, aiming at achieving the aspirations of the wise leadership towards establishing a smart, integrated, and sustainable transport system which facilitates individuals movement across the city and supports local development in various in ways that improve the quality of life in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

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