Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
New York University in Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) is stealing the limelight at Global Rail 2024 with a display of its latest innovations in robotics technology led by the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) in partnership with Etihad Rail.
The inaugural Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference (Global Rail) is taking place at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi from October 8-10.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the event is organised by Etihad Rail, in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and dmg events.
NYUAD's exhibit features two quadruped robots and a state-of-the-art humanoid robot, all designed to streamline inspection and maintenance operations at Etihad Rail Al Faya depot.
In an interview with Aletihad on Tuesday, Dr. Nikolaos Evangeliou, a postdoctoral associate at NYUAD, shared insights on the transformative potential of these robots.
"The robots are equipped with the latest sensory technology, allowing them to move autonomously, create digital twins of their environment, and detect faults in real-time," Dr. Evangeliou explained, noting that the robots are currently deployed in the experimentation phase.
"Their use covers maintenance aspects that meet the needs of Etihad Rail, such as leakage detection and asset tagging, where each locomotive is located at all times. But the technology, the hardware, and the knowledge are there to expand these operations to whatever is the need at any time," he added.
These robots play a crucial role in increasing the efficiency of maintenance processes and reducing human involvement in it, according to Dr. Evangeliou.
"If a malfunction occurs, the robots are the first responders, ensuring that human workers are never put at risk," he said.
The environmental benefits of these robotic systems are also substantial.
"By automating tasks and optimising energy usage, these robots contribute to sustainability in railway operations," Dr. Evangeliou noted.
"They enhance asset control and perform tasks in a more efficient manner, ultimately reducing energy consumption," he added.
The showcased robots boast advanced technologies, including laser scanners, thermal and optical camera sensors, range finders, state-of-the-art GPUs, and onboard manipulators, all integrated at NYUAD, according to Dr. Evangeliou.
He further noted that NYUAD is collaborating with Etihad Rail on a project aimed at enhancing cost efficiency, potentially saving millions of dollars through the implementation of a reverse drive function for trains.
The CAIR Center at NYUAD, led by Professor Anthony Tzes, was established to conduct fundamental research and develop applications in Al and robotics.
Its focus areas include sensor data fusion, multi-agent system coordination, and autonomous decision-making.
