In a significant step towards leveraging advanced technology for enhancing passenger safety, security and service delivery, Waltair Division of East Coast Railway has introduced a humanoid robot “ASC ARJUN” at Visakhapatnam Railway Station under the aegis of the Railway Protection Force (RPF). This is the first of its kind in Indian Railways.
The Humanoid was unveiled by the Inspector General (RPF) Shri Alok Bohra and Divisional Railway Manager Shri Lalit Bohra in presence of the Senior Divisional Security Commandant (RPF) Shri AK Dubey at Visakhapatnam railway station.
The humanoid robot, deployed as part of the RPF’s modernization and digital transformation initiatives, is designed to supplement various railway operations, particularly in the areas of security, passenger assistance, crowd management, cleanliness monitoring and safety awareness.
The robot has been entirely designed and developed in Visakhapatnam, incorporating state-of-the-art technology through indigenous innovation. Under the guidance of Shri Alok Bohra, Inspector General, RPF, and Shri Lalit Bohra, Divisional Railway Manager, the team led by Shri A. K. Dubey worked diligently for over one year to successfully develop this advanced technology.
Addressing the media Divisional Railway Manager Shri Lalit Bohra said that the ASC ARJUN is equipped with advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI), IoT connectivity and real-time monitoring capabilities, enabling it to act as a smart assistant for RPF personnel and passengers alike. He gave the elaborate working of the robot and its capabilities.
Key Functionalities and Benefits are as follows:
Intrusion Detection:
The robot can identify intruders using Face Recognition System (FRS) and instantly alert RPF personnel through IoT-enabled alerts, ensuring rapid response and reduced detection time.
Crowd Management:
AI-based passenger density analysis helps in preventing congestion and enables proactive crowd control measures during peak hours. The robot will send messages to the control and alert the security personnel for quick response.
Public Announcements:
Autonomous safety and information announcements are delivered in English, Hindi and Telugu, improving passenger awareness and compliance. This will enable public to guide effectively during peak hours.
Platform Patrol:
Semi-autonomous navigation along predefined paths with obstacle avoidance allows continuous patrolling and 24×7 presence, reducing manpower burden. This will improve in effective security management.
Passenger Assistance:
ASC ARJUN interacts with passengers through friendly gestures and information support, enhancing public trust and the perception of RPF authority.
Situational Awareness:
Continuous monitoring with an integrated dashboard provides real-time intelligence to support effective decision-making by RPF and control rooms.
Fire & Smoke Detection:
Early detection of fire and smoke with instant alerts enables swift emergency response and enhanced passenger safety.
Interactive Capabilities:
1.Multi-language announcements for safety instructions and crowd guidance
2.Cultural gestures such as Namaste for passengers and salute to RPF officers
3.Real-time IoT connectivity with RPF control rooms
4.Passenger-friendly user interface for public interaction and assistance
Shri Alok Bohra, IG (RPF) said that the introduction of ASC ARJUN marks a pioneering initiative by Waltair Division in adopting cutting-edge technology to strengthen railway security, improve passenger experience and support frontline staff. Indian Railway remains committed to embracing innovation for creating a safe, secure and passenger-friendly railway ecosystem.