Humanoid robot ‘ASC ARJUN’ introduced at Visakhapatnam railway station to boost passenger safety

In a major technological advancement aimed at strengthening passenger safety and station security, Indian Railways has deployed a humanoid robot named ‘ASC ARJUN’ at Visakhapatnam Railway Station. The initiative marks a pioneering step in the use of robotic assistance within the Indian Railways network.

The newly inducted robot will operate in coordination with the Railway Protection Force (RPF), particularly during hours of heavy passenger movement. Officials said the deployment is part of Indian Railways’ broader effort to integrate advanced technologies into everyday operations to enhance efficiency, safety, and passenger experience.

The humanoid robot was formally launched by Inspector General of RPF Alok Bohra and Divisional Railway Manager Lalit Bohra, in the presence of senior RPF officials. The event underscored the Railways’ focus on innovation-driven and indigenous solutions for public infrastructure.

Notably, ASC ARJUN has been entirely designed and developed in Visakhapatnam using indigenous technology. A dedicated technical team worked for over a year to develop the system, reflecting Indian Railways’ growing expertise in adopting artificial intelligence and automation for operational needs.

Equipped with advanced features such as facial recognition-based intrusion detection, AI-enabled crowd monitoring, and real-time alert systems linked to RPF control rooms, the robot is expected to significantly strengthen surveillance mechanisms at the station. It is also capable of making automated public announcements in English, Hindi, and Telugu to assist and guide passengers.

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The robot can patrol platforms using semi-autonomous navigation along predefined routes and is designed to detect obstacles, allowing uninterrupted monitoring throughout the day. In addition, built-in fire and smoke detection sensors enable early identification of emergency situations.

Designed to be passenger-friendly, ASC ARJUN can interact with commuters through simple gestures such as greeting passengers with a ‘Namaste’ and saluting RPF personnel. It also provides basic information and assistance through an easy-to-use interface.

Indian Railways officials stated that similar technology-driven initiatives may be introduced at other stations in the future as part of efforts to create a safer, smarter, and more passenger-centric railway system across the country.