Source: PIB
Subject: Science and Technology
Context: Indian Railways has deployed a humanoid robot named ‘ASC ARJUN’ at Visakhapatnam Railway Station, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative across the railway network.
About Humanoid Robot ‘ASC ARJUN’:
What it is?
- ASC ARJUN is an AI-powered humanoid robot deployed to assist the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in station surveillance, crowd management and passenger assistance.
Developed by:
- Indigenously designed and developed in Visakhapatnam by a dedicated Indian Railways technical team using home-grown technology.
Launched in:
- Visakhapatnam Railway Station, Andhra Pradesh (East Coast Railway).
Aim:
- To enhance passenger safety and security, optimise manpower deployment, and improve service delivery through the use of emerging technologies.
Key functions:
- Security & surveillance: Face Recognition System (FRS) for intrusion detection and AI-based crowd monitoring.
- Real-time alerts: Instant alerts to RPF control rooms during suspicious activities or emergencies.
- Emergency response: Fire and smoke detection systems for early warning.
- Passenger assistance: Automated public announcements in English, Hindi and Telugu.
- Autonomous patrolling: Semi-autonomous navigation with obstacle avoidance for round-the-clock platform patrols.
- Human interaction: Friendly gestures like Namaste for passengers and salutes for RPF personnel.
Significance:
- Demonstrates Indian Railways’ technological innovation and indigenisation push.
- Improves public safety and crowd management at high-footfall stations.
