Iron guardians: Humanoid robots to douse fires, rescue lives in Singapore by 2027
Initially remote-controlled, the robots will use AI to operate autonomously by 2029, handling complex tasks with little human input.
Humanoid robots designed to assist in high-risk emergency operations will begin working alongside Home Team officers in Singapore as early as mid-2027.
These advanced machines, developed by the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX), are built to handle tasks such as firefighting, hazardous materials response, and search-and-rescue missions, reports an online media outlet.
Initially controlled remotely, the robots are expected to operate autonomously by 2029, using artificial intelligence to navigate complex scenarios with minimal human input. Four prototypes were unveiled on May 26 at the opening of the AI TechXplore exhibition.
Three of the humanoid robots showcased at the AI TechXplore exhibition stand at about 1.7 metres tall, while a fourth, more compact model measures 1.2 metres.
To control this smaller robot, HTX engineers developed a wearable exosuit that mirrors the operator’s movements in real time. The operator also uses a virtual reality headset linked to the robot’s cameras, enabling precise task execution through immersive visual feedback, reports Straits Times (ST).
In addition to the robots, HTX introduced Phoenix, its in-house developed large language model. Trained specifically for the Singaporean and Home Team environment, Phoenix is proficient in all four of Singapore’s official languages and will serve as the core of the Home Team’s AI infrastructure.