Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, DEWA, has launched a pilot project for the world’s first virtual reality, VR, remote inspection system for utility maintenance.

This comes in implementation of the National Innovation Strategy launched by Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, 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 Systems Applications and Products, 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 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, to instill 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 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid 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 Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of 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.