‘Robot Cop’ Deployed at Visakhapatnam Railway Station

East Coast Railway has taken a significant step in railway security by introducing India’s first humanoid robot police on an experimental basis at Visakhapatnam Railway Station .

The robot was inaugurated under the Waltair Division by RPF Inspector General Alok Bohra and Divisional Railway Manager Lalit Bohra , and has been named ‘ASC Arjun’ .

Developed entirely in Visakhapatnam using indigenous technology, the robot was designed by the Railway Protection Force team over the past year. It is equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) -based real-time monitoring systems.

‘ASC Arjun’ will patrol eight platforms, railway offices and parking areas. Using facial recognition technology, it can identify suspicious persons and habitual offenders, instantly alerting RPF personnel. During peak hours, it also analyses passenger density to assist in crowd management and maintains continuous surveillance for security lapses.

A key feature of the robot is its ability to interact directly with passengers. It issues security announcements, warnings and information in English, Hindi and Telugu, enhancing passenger awareness on platforms.

The robot is also equipped with fire and smoke detection sensors. On sensing danger, it immediately sends alerts to the control room and RPF staff, enabling swift preventive action.

Speaking on the occasion, DRM Lalit Bohra said ‘ASC Arjun’ would function as a smart assistant to RPF personnel, improving response time while reducing pressure on human resources.

Railway officials said the robot’s services, launched on a pilot basis, will be expanded to other major railway stations in the coming days as part of efforts to strengthen passenger safety.