Launching a central control room to manage and monitor autonomous vehicle operations in Abu Dhabi

Under the supervision of the Intelligent Autonomous Systems Council, the Integrated Transport Center “Abu Dhabi Transport”, affiliated with the Department of Municipalities and Transport, opened the central control room dedicated to monitoring the operations of autonomous vehicles in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin Saeed bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, andHead of the Department of Municipalities and Transport Muhammad Ali Al-Sharafa, in a step that strengthens Abu Dhabi’s march towards smart mobility, and aims to develop direct supervision and effective regulation of this sector, through advanced systems for real-time monitoring, data analysis, and decision-making support, ensuring the highest levels of safety and operational efficiency.

The opening of the control room comes in light of the continued expansion of autonomous vehicle services in the emirate, which reflects the importance of developing regulatory mechanisms that keep pace with the rapid growth of this sector.

The center explained that the control room works to monitor the movement of self-driving vehicles immediately, which allows quickly dealing with any operational or emergency situations, in accordance with approved procedures and enhances road safety.

The control room relies on advanced control and operation systems that include a central monitoring system, in addition to an integrated platform for managing the operational and experimental operations of autonomous vehicles (AViTOMS), which allows real-time tracking of vehicle locations, speeds, and routes, and issues immediate alerts when any unusual indicators are detected, in addition to recording and analyzing trips. It enables managing emergency response plans in coordination with the competent authorities, and prepares periodic reports that support improving routes and raising operating efficiency based on the data.

And he said Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Center Dr. Abdullah Hamad Al Ghafli: The opening of the central control room represents an essential step in the process of developing the regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and comes in response to the rapid growth in the adoption of smart mobility technologies, and what this requires of an advanced supervision system that ensures real-time monitoring and highly efficient risk management. Through this room, we are establishing an integrated approach that combines technical capabilities and regulatory frameworks, thus enhancing the emirate’s readiness to adopt and operate autonomous vehicles within a safe and organized environment that enhances levels of confidence and safety on the roads.

And he said Executive Director of the Intelligent Transportation Systems Sector at the Integrated Transportation Center Hamad Adel Al Afifi: The center’s initiatives reflect an advanced shift towards an integrated digital services model that enhances Abu Dhabi’s leadership in the smart transportation sector.

The control room covers self-driving vehicle services operated by approved operators in the emirate, which enhances the integration of the supervision system, keeps pace with the rapid growth of this sector, and establishes a supportive regulatory environment for the adoption of smart mobility solutions with the highest standards of safety and efficiency.