Doha: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming all facets of human society such as education, healthcare, transportation, business, and entertainment. The knowledge created and local technology systems developed are visible examples of the sustainable legacy created by the World Cup.
Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) in partnership with Qatar Mobility Innovation Center (QMIC) organised ‘Meet the Expert’ session entitled ‘Home Grown AI-enabled Platforms Supporting National Strategies’.
Dr. Adnan Abu-Dayya, CEO and Executive Director of QMIC, explained how the leading national innovations center has been using its competencies in Internet of Things (IoT), AI, Embedded Sensing, and Location Intelligence to tailor-make a range of digital platforms and smart products in order to support national priorities across areas such as transport and infrastructure, events and tourism, energy and environment, and defense and security.
Dr. Fethi Filali, Director of Technology and Research (CTO) at QMIC discussed how home-grown AI-enabled platforms are supporting the national strategies. QMIC showcased homegrown, cutting-edge AI-based solutions for intelligent mobility in action and how they support Qatar’s goals and mega events.
Addressing the event Dr. Filali discussed about QMIC’s intelligent mobility analytics platform known as ‘Masrak’ and its extensive data collection network which collects tens of millions of data records a day, daily reports of traffic movements, trends, and behaviours. Masrak system started in 2010 and has three main segments — intelligent transportation systems, fleet applications, fleet management and dispatching.
“Our dispatching system was used by Mowasalat back in 2010. After launching Masrak we signed contract with Qatar Rail to manage logistics and then in 2019 we signed strategic contract with Ashghal which included many elements and in the same year we began introducing AI and making sure we adjust and optimise our applications by adopting AI and leveraging data in the last few years,” he said.
Dr. Filali further said, “When we think about AI we need to think about four phases which include scoping the project by making sure what you are trying to solve. This includes defining the project, conducting a feasibility study and defining metrics and success criteria. Secondly, identify the data you want to leverage and collect, label and organise data. Thirdly, the modelling phase in which you select and train the model and perform analysis. The model that can provide the highest accuracy and detection rate. Lastly, the deployment of the solution by monitoring and maintaining the system.”
Speaking about Masrak’s data sources he said, "We started developing our own hardware with our own intelligence; deploying in Qatar and we have 400 devices deployed in Qatar. “For the consumers we provided mobile application with lot of features and services, we started using our own mobile app and collected the data. From all these data sources which are very important, we process the data real time, clean and format the data. We are delivering several services to end users through mobile and web applications and through dashboard and analytic report.”
Also, speaking at the event, Dr Hamid Menouar, Senior Research and Development Expert and Product manager, QMIC highlighted the QMIC-built platform, Falcon-I. He stressed the use of AI to create smart applications, such as smart intersections, smart roads, digital parking, vehicle counting, and crowd monitoring, among others. These functions empower operators and decision-makers with real-time alerts and prompt automated actions to tackle issues related to transport and road safety operations.
