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Dubai’s RTA to use AI cameras to monitor mask wearing

Posted: 7 December 2020 | | No comments yet

Cameras in the RTA’s customer happiness centres will now use artificial intelligence to check whether customers are wearing masks.

dubai's rta customer happiness centre

Dubai's RTA will measure mask compliance via AI cameras at its customer happiness centres.

Cameras installed to measure the happiness of visitors at customer happiness centres of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) have been fitted with new AI technology to monitor the compliance of those visitors with the wearing of face masks. The step is part of the RTA’s precautionary measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.  

“The success of the smart cameras powered by artificial intelligence and computer vision capabilities installed at Al Barsha, Umm Ramool, Deira and Awir Centres to measure the happiness of visiting clients by analysing their facial expressions prompted us to ponder another use of these cameras” said Ahmed Mahboub, Executive Director of Smart Services, Corporate Technology Support Services Sector, RTA.

“We have successfully fitted the cameras with a new technology whereby they can also monitor whether clients are wearing face masks as part measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. The technology recorded an accuracy rate of 99.1 per cent in this field.”

The RTA says the cameras generate analytical reports and daily indicators, which will help officials to take appropriate actions towards any failure of compliance with the precautionary measures in place. The cameras, which had been installed more than 18 months ago, can capture images at a rate of 30 frames per second, with a range of seven metres.

“The RTA is keen on developing plans to match the strategies of our government to use artificial intelligence technologies in improving services and customers experience.

“Moreover, the authority is firmly committed to the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and seeks to improve and align its services with the Smart City initiative of the Dubai Government,” concluded the Executive Director of Smart Services.