Visakhapatnam, Jan 23: In a significant move toward the digital transformation of railway security, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) today introduced a state-of-the-art humanoid robot named ASC ARJUN at the Visakhapatnam Railway Station.
The robot was officially unveiled by Inspector General (RPF) Alok Bohra and Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Lalit Bohra. Deployed under the aegis of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), ASC ARJUN is designed to serve as a high-tech force multiplier for on-ground security personnel.
Indigenous Innovation
Unlike imported technologies, ASC ARJUN is a product of local ingenuity. It was entirely designed and developed in Visakhapatnam over the course of a year by a dedicated team led by Senior Divisional Security Commandant A.K. Dubey. The name “Arjun” was chosen to symbolize the intense focus and precision associated with the legendary archer from the Mahabharata.
Key Features and Capabilities
The “Robot Cop” is equipped with advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, allowing it to perform several critical functions:
- Intrusion Detection: Using a sophisticated Face Recognition System (FRS), the robot can identify known offenders or suspicious individuals and send real-time alerts to the RPF control room.
- Crowd Management: During peak hours, the robot uses AI-based passenger density analysis to detect overcrowding and proactively alert security to prevent stampede-like situations.
- Multilingual Assistance: To aid the diverse crowd at Vizag station, ASC ARJUN delivers safety announcements and passenger information in English, Hindi, and Telugu.
- Emergency Response: The robot is equipped with thermal sensors for the early detection of fire and smoke, facilitating a faster emergency response than traditional manual patrolling.
- Autonomous Patrolling: It can navigate the platforms semi-autonomously, avoiding obstacles while maintaining a 24/7 presence to deter petty crimes like pickpocketing.
Enhancing Passenger Experience
Beyond security, ASC ARJUN is designed to be “passenger-friendly.” It can interact with travelers through friendly gestures, including a traditional Namaste for passengers and a formal Salute to RPF officers.
“The introduction of ASC ARJUN marks a pioneering initiative in adopting cutting-edge technology to strengthen railway security and support our frontline staff,” said IG Alok Bohra during the ceremony.
If the pilot program at Visakhapatnam proves successful, railway officials indicated that similar humanoid robots could be deployed at other major “A1” category stations across the country in the coming months.
