ASC ARJUN: India’s First Humanoid Robot Joins Railway Surveillance System
Context
Indian Railways has introduced a humanoid robot named ‘ASC ARJUN’ at Visakhapatnam Railway Station, becoming the first station in the country to operationalise such a system.
Nature of the System: AI-enabled humanoid robot designed to support the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in monitoring stations, managing crowds, and assisting passengers.
Design & Development: Conceived and built locally in Visakhapatnam by an Indian Railways technical team using indigenous technologies.
Place of Deployment: Visakhapatnam Railway Station, Andhra Pradesh, under East Coast Railway zone.
Purpose: To strengthen passenger security, ensure efficient use of manpower, and upgrade passenger services through advanced digital solutions.
Major Capabilities
- Smart Monitoring: Face recognition–based intrusion detection and AI-driven crowd analysis.
- Instant Notifications: Real-time transmission of alerts to RPF control rooms during unusual or risky situations.
- Disaster Preparedness: Sensors for early detection of fire and smoke.
- Commuter Support: Automated announcements in Hindi, English, and Telugu.
- Self-Directed Movement: Semi-autonomous mobility with obstacle avoidance for continuous platform rounds.
- Interactive Features: Polite gestures such as greeting passengers with Namaste and saluting RPF staff.
Why it Matters
- Reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to innovation and self-reliance.
- Enhances safety, surveillance, and crowd regulation at busy railway stations.
Source : PIB