Certis to deploy AI robot at PLQ to enforce safe distancing

BY the fourth quarter this year, an artificially intelligent robot known as Oscar will be able to enforce safe distancing within Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ) 1 and 2, as well as in the open plaza area where it patrols.

In a virtual launch on Thursday, Certis unveiled a series of smart solutions, also known as Security+, that had been silently working throughout retail spaces at PLQ since May this year, including Oscar the AI-enabled robot.

Certis said its robot can detect and sound alerts upon encountering illegally-parked bicycles, fires and people smoking in non-designated areas or loitering in PLQ after hours.

In the future, it will also be able to detect when it gets too crowded and play messages to inform shoppers to adhere to safe distancing measures.

Vice-president and head of Ops-Tech Isabelle Lim said the company is also working with other retail operators to implement similar security measures, including the potential of introducing Oscar to other malls.

At the moment, there is only one Oscar patrolling the grounds of PLQ, though Certis did not rule out the possibility of adding more robots with similar functions to the area.

Additionally, the security cameras installed by Certis around PLQ also come with data analytics, which Ms Lim said will improve productivity of security efforts within the area.

"Our security guards are more freed up to do other more value-added jobs and helps the customer (PLQ) improve their efficiency and productivity," said Ms Lim.

To ensure that its security officers are familiar with the system, Certis said it regularly sends officers to do on-the-job training in emergency response and digital literacy for the various technology platforms used for Security+.

Ronald Poon, chief executive of Certis Singapore said that Certis had been able to deliver a more than 25 per cent increase in productivity and efficiency levels across malls that it secured.

"With Security+, Paya Lebar Quarter can remain focused on what they do best in placemaking," he said.