Why in news?
Indian Railways introduced ASC ARJUN, a humanoid robot, at Visakhapatnam railway station on 23 January 2026. The robot enhances passenger safety and provides services such as surveillance and public announcements.
Background
As stations become busier, Indian Railways is adopting technology to improve security and convenience. ASC ARJUN was designed and developed in Visakhapatnam, reflecting India’s growing expertise in artificial intelligence and robotics.
Key features
- Face recognition and intrusion detection: The robot’s cameras and software identify unauthorised persons and send alerts to the control room.
- Crowd monitoring: It assesses crowd density and movement patterns to help prevent congestion during peak hours.
- Automated announcements: ASC ARJUN makes announcements in multiple languages, offering train updates and safety instructions.
- Autonomous navigation: Sensors and obstacle‑avoidance systems allow the robot to patrol platforms and concourses for long hours.
- Interactive gestures: The robot greets passengers with a “Namaste” and can respond to simple questions.
- Safety monitoring: It detects smoke and fire, carries an emergency voice call system and assists during emergencies.
Significance
- ASC ARJUN enhances station security by complementing human security staff and enabling quicker response to incidents.
- The project demonstrates India’s capability to develop advanced robotics for public services.
- Such innovations can be replicated at other stations, improving the overall passenger experience.
Conclusion
The deployment of ASC ARJUN marks a new step towards smarter and safer railway stations. By combining surveillance, communication and interaction, the robot helps protect passengers and showcases the potential of home‑grown technology.
Source: PIB
