Artificial intelligence to monitor behaviour of taxi drivers in Dubai

New system designed to detect patterns of drowsy or distracted driving

A new artificial intelligence system will monitor the performance of taxi drivers in Dubai. Pawan Singh/The National 

A new artificial intelligence system is being introduced in Dubai to monitor and track the behaviour of taxi drivers.

The emirate’s Roads and Transport Authority said that the technology will be used to detect drowsy and distracted driving.

The system will also ensure the driver and passengers wear face masks and keep a safe distance from each other.

Sensors are installed in vehicles to monitor and detect driving behaviour patterns in real time.

These are connected to audio messages designed to alert drivers in case of sudden lane changing, abrupt braking or going too close to the vehicle in front.

“Through this technology, we can figure out the performance of the driver on the road in a continuous manner,” said Khaled Al-Awadhi, director of transport systems at the RTA’s Public Transport Agency.

“It helps us to send alerts to drivers or send them on rehabilitation courses in case of repeated offences such as speeding, sudden stopping or unnecessary use of brakes.”

He said the new system would allow RTA officers to identify the reasons for poor driving.

“We will also improve the notification system and carry out a comprehensive assessment of drivers' performances assisted by AI technologies,” he said.

Talal Ben Halim, founder and chief executive of Acacus, the firm behind the technology, said the system would help improve customer satisfaction.

“Taxis are a means of transport that have to maintain privacy and deliver high-level safety,” he said.

“This technology will also help us in monitoring the conduct of drivers and riders with regards to the precautionary measures in place to fight the coronavirus, such as the physical distancing and the wearing of face masks."