Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has launched a pilot project for the world?s first virtual reality (VR) remote inspection for utility maintenance
According to the press statement released today, this is in implementation of the National Innovation Strategy launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make the UAE one of the most innovative countries in the world. The project also supports DEWA?s vision to become a sustainable and innovative world-class utility.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said, ?DEWA is keen on realising the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to instil a culture of creativity and innovation in the workplace, and to best use new technologies to achieve the objectives of Dubai Plan 2021. We intend to benefit from VR in our operations, which also emphasises our leading position as one of the innovative and most efficient utilities in the world.?
The pilot project combines autonomous robots from SAP?s VR and Internet of Things (IoT) to remotely inspect DEWA?s electricity and water networks. As a result, DEWA will enhance its utility inspection and maintenance by making it faster, safer, and more cost-effective. DEWA is currently deploying the system as a proof of concept in a high-voltage power tunnel in Dubai.
Tayfun Topkoc, managing director, SAP UAE, added that launching the remote inspection system demonstrated DEWA?s global leadership in government innovation, and showcases practical examples of IoT and VR technology. ?SAP is committed to further supporting the UAE?s government future digital transformation to solve business challenges, enhance citizen services, and co-drive innovation,? he stated.
