Emirati engineer designs AI-based device to advance school bus safety

Dubai-based technology and engineering firm Almas Robotics has launched its new ‘Safe Bus’ smart device, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology to track passengers on school buses with the aim of improving safety standards in the UAE.

Safe Bus was created by Fahim Almas, Almas Robotics Founder and CEO Eng., who is an Emirati mechatronics and aviation engineer. Almas is a member of the Hamdan Innovation Incubator, part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development (Dubai SME), and Dubai Startup Hub, the entrepreneurship arm of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

According to the company, the device is connected to multiple sensors installed on the bus door that monitor passenger movement and record the number of passengers entering and exiting the vehicle. The Safe Bus device is automatically activated as soon as the bus engine is switched on and provides a reading within one second.

Once the engine is turned off, the device will complete a check to determine if the number of exiting passengers matches the number of those who entered originally. If the number of passengers on board is higher than zero, the device will instantly sound an alarm and send an SMS notification to the driver and transportation company.

The objective of the solution is to prevent cases of children being left mistakenly on school buses and improve safety standards in the UAE. The company said it intends to keep the cost of the device affordable in an effort to encourage the widespread adoption of the life-saving technology.

“We have high expectations for this device as it brings a new concept to the market that addresses a serious problem in an innovative and seamless way. Our conversations with schools and transportation companies have been encouraging so far, and we hope one day to see the device used in every school bus in the UAE. It is solutions like these that will lead Dubai to achieve its ambitious vision of becoming one of the world’s smartest cities in the near future,” said Almas.

Earlier this year, Almas Robotics launched its M First and M Second Educational Robots – a unique series of multi-purpose 3D printed robotic arms designed to lift light objects and teach children about the basics of robotics. The series is named after Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who inspired Almas to pursue his dream of building a company that designs solutions that test the boundaries of innovation and improve people’s lives.

“Education is a major focus area for Almas Robotics and we have big plans to work with schools in the UAE to introduce children to the exciting world of robotics, 3D printing and artificial intelligence through interactive workshops. The youth of today is extremely tech-savvy, but what’s missing is access to education and training of Fourth Industrial Revolution skills that will prepare them for the future,” he added.