The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of the Department of Municipalities and Transport has showcased at UAE Innovation Month a project consisting of smart gates for weighing trucks and detecting overloaded trucks. 

 

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 tyres and its speed. 

 

It 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. 

 

Developing infrastructure

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 minimise the possibility of running a red light at intersections, through utilising 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. 

 

Traffic detours

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 categorise 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.

 

Charging on the move

On the other hand, Jacobs Engineering Services Company presented a project called "Charging on the Move", which utilises the possibility of charging electric vehicles without the need to stop. As for Bayanat, a G42 organisation, 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 analysing data, detecting the environment around the vehicle, and automatically avoiding obstructions in a manner that guarantees passengers safety. 

 

Tahaluf Al Emarat Technical Solutions has featured multiple innovative projects such as smart bus shelters that utilise modern technologies to enhance the transport experience for passengers. 

 

The shelters have a number of advantages that utilises 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.

Safety and comfort

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 recognise parked vehicles and record license plate number, colour, 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 organises 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 organisation 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”.-- TradeArabia News Service