Public sector 5G trials underway at Sentosa with autonomous road-sweeping trucks, augmented reality experiences

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) are also working with construction firm Gammon to trial the use of 5G for construction applications. 

This includes fully autonomous robots with mounted 3D laser scanners for remote tracking of work progress, leveraging augmented reality technology for real-time quality control on building installations, and using drones with live video feeds for site inspection. 

BCA’s programme director of the digitalisation department Tan Kee Wee said that 5G technology has “opened up” many possibilities for the built environment sector to further leverage robotics and automation. 

“Such applications typically require a large amount of data to be transmitted in real-time which 5G would be able to support,” said Dr Tan. 

“We are excited to see the results of these trials on how 5G technology can improve site productivity and safety, transforming the way we build.”

Assistant chief executive of SDC Michael Ma said: “The range of 5G trials will play an important role in identifying opportunities where infrastructure-light 5G technology can be leveraged not only to achieve greater productivity and efficiency in SDC’s management of the Sentosa precinct, such as in transport, security, and cleaning operations, but also to enhance Singapore’s tourism offerings, including Sentosa’s range of unique leisure experiences.

“Such offerings could include edutainment featuring immersive 5G augmented reality (AR) experiences at Sentosa’s nature and heritage trails. We are pleased to partner Singapore Tourism Board to trial the gamification of the Fort Siloso area, with a joint technical study to begin by the end of this year.”

According to the release, Sentosa provided “a unique environment as an ecosystem of leisure experiences and businesses” for organisations to study and trial the viability of innovative prototypes and solutions.