What Is ‘ASC ARJUN’? Indian Railways’ New Humanoid Security Robot

Indian Railways has taken a major step towards smart and technology-driven railway stations. On January 27, 2026, a humanoid robot named ASC ARJUN was deployed at Visakhapatnam Railway Station. Designed to support security and passenger services, the robot reflects Indian Railways’ growing focus on artificial intelligence, automation and indigenous innovation for safer public infrastructure.

Why in News?

Indian Railways has deployed its first-ever humanoid robot, ASC ARJUN, at Visakhapatnam Railway Station, marking a milestone in technology-led passenger safety and station management.

First of Its Kind Initiative

The deployment of ASC ARJUN represents a historic first for the Indian Railways network.

• First humanoid robot deployed on Indian Railways platforms
• Introduced as part of innovation-led passenger service enhancement
• Aimed at supporting security, surveillance and crowd management
• Designed to function alongside human personnel, not replace them

This initiative highlights Indian Railways shift towards smart station ecosystems.

Indigenous Development and Institutional Role

ASC ARJUN has been developed using indigenous technology, reinforcing India’s push for self reliance.

• Developed by the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Visakhapatnam
• Built with a focus on local operational requirements
• Reflects innovation capacity within Indian security forces
• Aligns with the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat vision

The project showcases in-house technological capability within Indian Railways.

Security, Surveillance and AI Capabilities

The robot significantly enhances station security through advanced technology.

• Equipped with Face Recognition System (FRS) for intrusion detection
• AI-based crowd monitoring during peak passenger hours
• Real-time connectivity with RPF control rooms
• Supports proactive threat detection and response

These features improve situational awareness and reduce pressure on manpower.

Passenger Assistance and Interactive Features

ASC ARJUN is also designed to improve passenger experience at busy stations.

• Makes automated announcements in English, Hindi and Telugu
• Provides real-time information and guidance to passengers
• Interacts with friendly gestures such as “Namaste”
• Designed to be approachable and user-friendly
• This combination of security and assistance makes stations more passenger-centric.

Autonomous Patrol and Emergency Response

The robot supports continuous monitoring and emergency readiness.

• Semi-autonomous navigation with obstacle avoidance
• Enables 24*7 platform patrolling
• Optimizes deployment of RPF personnel
• Equipped with fire and smoke detection systems for emergencies
• Such capabilities strengthen disaster preparedness and response efficiency.

Key Summary at a Glance

Question

Q. ASC ARJUN has been developed by which organization?

A) ISRO
B) DRDO
C) Railway Protection Force
D) Bharat Electronics Limited