Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) launched a pilot project for the world’s first virtual reality (VR) remote inspection for utility maintenance, 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.
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.
“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. This is also part of DEWA’s efforts to support the Smart City initiative launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to make Dubai the happiest and smartest city in the world. 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,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
“DEWA always takes the initiative to use the latest technological systems and solutions to serve the community and make Dubai a smart, integral and connected city. DEWA considers creativity and innovation as a cornerstone and standard practice for the development of its services and operations. Today, DEWA is taking a new step in its quest for excellence in smart transformation by adopting VR technology. This enhances our operations, and accelerates the innovation process for further success and achievement,” said Marwan Bin Haider, Executive Vice President of Innovation and the Future at DEWA.
“Launching the remote inspection system demonstrates 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,” said Tayfun Topkoc, Managing Director, SAP UAE.