Dubai’s New AI-Powered ‘Robocop’ Takes to the Streets

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has released new crime prevention robots onto the streets of the Emirates, using facial recognition to match people with their Emirates ID to detect street crime. The robots are specifically designed to survey and detect violations of bicycle and scooter rules, which are only allowed to be used in certain areas.

The ‘robocop’ has been introduced in limited numbers for a trial phase, testing a collaboration between the RTA and AI services provider Terminus Group. The robot will relay sightings of violations to Dubai Police, who will then assess the suitable punishment for the violations, up to a limit of AED 300. No fines will be issued during the trial phase of the robots, which will operate between 3 PM and 11 PM on weekdays, and 5 PM until 1 AM on weekends.