ST Engineering-NTU advanced robotics laboratory launched

A LABORATORY specialising in advanced robotics and autonomous systems was launched on Thursday by Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who is also chairman of the National Research Foundation (NRF).

The ST Engineering-NTU Corporate Laboratory, as it is called, is jointly set up by ST Engineering and Nanyang Technological University.

It will receive S$53 million in funding and is supported by the NRF under its Corporate Laboratory@University Scheme, which seeks to boost public-private partnerships such as between private companies and universities.

The two main research areas will be airport precision and airside technology - such as baggage transfer systems, aerobridges and aircraft tow trucks - and intelligence support for crisis management - such as drones and smart robots.

These solutions, said Mr Teo, can also be used in a wide range of areas including healthcare, transport, security and urban development, all of which are major themes under Singapore's Smart Nation goal.

"These solutions will bring about tangible benefits to our lives, help reduce demand for manpower, and create higher-value jobs for Singaporeans," said Mr Teo at the launch.