Singapore is injecting USD 60 million into its National Robotics Programme (NRP) to propel robot adoption across manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare sectors. Led by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and hosted by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, the NRP aims to tap into the global robotics market, projected to exceed USD 60 billion by 2028.
Minister of State for Trade and Industry Alvin Tan highlighted the initiative’s goal to drive collaboration between research and industry, emphasizing the need to translate R&D into practical solutions. Lionsbot, with its floor-cleaning robots like the LeoBots, exemplifies Singapore’s burgeoning robotics sector. The company’s deployment of these robots in diverse environments such as shopping malls, warehouses, and schools demonstrates the practical applications and commercial viability of advanced robotics solutions. This success according to Minister Tan, underscores Singapore’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology across industries, highlighting the effectiveness of the National Robotics Programme in fostering a robust and dynamic robotics ecosystem.
The RoboCluster initiative, funded by the USD 60 million injection, will facilitate research and development (R&D) collaborations, starting with facilities management. This move aims to address industry-specific challenges, such as manpower shortages, by leveraging robotics for mundane tasks. It will provide forums, workshops, and other platforms supported by a network of researchers and experts. The NRP’s broader focus now includes developing standardized machines for widespread adoption.
(Source: The Strait News)
