Indian Railways has taken a major step towards smart station management with the introduction of a humanoid robot named ASC ARJUN at Visakhapatnam Railway Station. Deployed under the Railway Protection Force (RPF), this is the first humanoid robot of its kind to be used by Indian Railways for security and passenger services.
The initiative reflects East Coast Railway’s growing focus on using advanced digital technologies to improve safety, efficiency, and passenger experience at busy railway stations.
ASC ARJUN is a humanoid robot designed to support RPF personnel in daily station operations. It has been developed entirely in Visakhapatnam using indigenous technology. The project took more than a year to complete and was carried out under close supervision of senior railway officials.
The robot is built to assist, not replace, security staff. Its main role is to enhance station monitoring, support crowd management, and provide basic assistance to passengers.
One of the robot’s most important functions is improving station security. ASC ARJUN uses a Face Recognition System to detect intruders. Once an unidentified or suspicious person is identified, the robot sends instant alerts to RPF staff through IoT-based systems.
The robot also performs regular platform patrolling by following pre-defined routes. It can detect obstacles while moving, allowing continuous monitoring throughout the day and helping security teams respond faster to potential issues.
Managing crowds during rush hours and festive seasons is a major challenge for railway authorities. ASC ARJUN uses AI-powered systems to monitor passenger movement and detect congestion at platforms and entry points.
When crowd levels rise, the robot alerts the control room so that RPF teams can take timely action. It also helps guide passengers, making movement smoother during peak hours.
ASC ARJUN directly interacts with passengers using simple hand gestures and announcements. It provides safety messages in three languages — English, Hindi, and Telugu — making information accessible to a wider audience.
The robot greets passengers using a Namaste gesture and salutes RPF officers, creating a friendly and reassuring presence at the station. Its simple design helps passengers feel comfortable approaching it for help.
Passenger safety remains a key focus of this project. ASC ARJUN is equipped with fire and smoke detection systems. In case of emergencies, it sends real-time alerts to RPF control rooms through a connected dashboard, enabling quick decision-making and faster response.
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The deployment of ASC ARJUN marks an important milestone in Indian Railways’ journey towards smart and secure stations. By combining AI, robotics, and indigenous innovation, East Coast Railway has shown how technology can support frontline staff while improving passenger safety and experience.
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Published on: Jan 29, 2026, 2:45 PM IST
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