A team of engineering students from Canadian University Dubai has developed an integrated system that is able to detect, predict, and prevent criminal behaviour through the application of artificial intelligence. The system, known as Tatabou3, aims to help law enforcement authorities to accelerate their investigations and to stop future criminal activities among known and previous offenders.
The new system is the culmination of a graduation project by Bachelor of Computer and Networking Engineering Technology students, Amani Matoug and Chima Felix, and Network Engineering majors, Munia Alkhidir and Mohammed Dib. The solution is based on the use of enhanced computer vision – a camera that can provide automated real-time video analysis, facial recognition, and emotion detection.
Explaining more about the innovation, Mohammed said, “The system goes beyond traditional CCTV technology, which is usually only viewed after a crime has happened. We have used machine vision to detect real-time facial expressions and body language that can indicate a crime is being, or about to be committed. When suspicious behaviour is detected, an alarm is triggered to alert the relevant individuals and authorities.”
Amani continued, “The system also includes a cloud-based data bank that is continually updated. This allows police forces to track investigations, log information on evidence, suspects, crime scenes, witnesses, and any other relevant data that could help to solve cases and prevent future offences. The data is accessible at all times to authorized users through a police office web application.”
Speaking about the inspiration behind the system, Chima said, “We wanted to develop a solution that would have a positive impact on the whole of society. When crimes go unsolved and criminals remains free, everyone is in danger. By integrating machine vision and cloud technology our system supports the timely detection and resolution of crime. It also incorporates a suspect prediction algorithm that can help anticipate criminal activity based on body recognition.”
Discussing the plans for future development, Munia revealed, “We’ve already had the opportunity to present the technology to officers in the Dubai and Sharjah Police Forces, who have been very positive about its potential. We believe that the system can save valuable time and resources in crime fighting, and we aim to continue working with the authorities to deploy it within the community.”
The team was mentored throughout the project by Assistant Professor, Dr. Rita Zgheib, who remarked, “This initiative demonstrates the combination of technical knowledge and personal qualities that the students have developed throughout their program. It has been impressive to see how they have come together as a team and combined their different skillsets to create an innovative solution to a real-world problem. We always encourage engineering student to harness technology for the advancement of society, so we are very proud of what this team has achieved.”
The Bachelor of Computer and Networking Engineering Technology (CNET) at CUD combines the practical skills needed to apply ever-advancing technologies with the solid business principles required to thrive in an enterprise-oriented world. Through a modern educational approach and state-of-the art facilities, this program delivers technology-based practice and hands-on experience in areas such as network security and administration, network operating systems, and wireless networks.
