AsianScientist (May 8, 2015) – ST Engineering and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have set up a joint research lab to develop advanced robotics and autonomous systems that will improve airport operations and disaster rescue efforts.
The ST Engineering-NTU Corporate Laboratory was officially launched today by guest-of-honor Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who is also the chairman of the National Research Foundation (NRF).
The joint laboratory, which will receive S$53 million (~US$39.9 million) in funding, is supported by the NRF Singapore under its Corporate Laboratory@University Scheme, which supports the setting up of key corporate laboratories via public-private partnerships.
This partnership will generate new products and services through the development of new technologies, increase employment opportunities for researchers and scientists and provide greater exposure for students in industrial R&D.
“The ST Engineering-NTU Corporate Laboratory will combine both NTU’s and ST Engineering’s expertise in robotics and autonomous systems. NTU has been especially successful in industry-relevant research and an initiative like this corporate lab allows us to develop robust and practical solutions that will benefit society, ease manpower challenges and create higher value jobs for Singaporeans,” said NTU provost, Professor Freddy Boey.
The two main research areas of the ST Engineering-NTU Corporate Lab will be in airport precision and airside technology (such as baggage transfer systems, aerobridges and aircraft tow trucks) and in enhancing intelligence support for crisis management.
A smart robot in a disaster-struck environment can navigate areas that are unsafe for humans, making search-and-rescue missions safer and more effective. Using its sensors, the robot can create a map of the unknown environment. It can automatically search and locate survivors, unlike current robots which have to be remotely controlled. Through advanced computer algorithms, the robot can convert sensor data to coherent images. With such advanced capabilities, crisis responders would be able to optimize tasks and deploy resources under challenging conditions during disasters.
The joint research aims to develop advanced robotics and autonomous system technologies–systems that can collect data and make decisions on their own.
These systems can transport luggage from the check-in counter to the baggage claim area, minimizing the number of human operators. The increasing labor cost and manpower constraints underscore the need for advanced robotics and smart systems, especially when airports worldwide are embarking on expansion. Such systems will also help to enhance the efficiency and safety of aerobridge operations and aircraft tow trucks. The technology is also applicable to logistics companies, where robotic systems can be used to move large items.
“The vision for the ST Engineering-NTU Corporate Lab is to develop the next generation of robotics and autonomous systems that can be applied to various areas such as healthcare, urban development, transportation, environmental conservation as well as defense and homeland security. These will be solutions that will improve and impact our everyday lives,” said ST Engineering President & CEO, Tan Pheng Hock.
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Source: Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore).
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.
