In a recent development, Singapore is set to witness an increased presence of police robots across the nation, following their successful deployment at Changi Airport’s Terminal 4 (T4) in recent months. According to the Singapore Police Force (SPF), the initiative aims to expand the utilization of these robots in various locations.
Since April, two police robots have been stationed at T4, serving as a notable addition to the airport’s security measures. Channel NewsAsia (CNA) reports that members of the public can easily contact the airport police in their operations room by simply pressing a button on the robot.
The upcoming rollout of additional police robots throughout Singapore comes as part of Project MATAR (Multi-purpose All-Terrain Autonomous Robot), which has gained visibility in recent times. These robots are equipped with a 360-degree camera that offers comprehensive surveillance capabilities. Moreover, they feature an extendable mast to provide officers with an enhanced view.
One noteworthy functionality is that these robots allow members of the public to communicate with an officer in the operations room by pressing a designated button. Additionally, the robots are equipped with sirens, speakers, and display screens that enable them to make public announcements and warn individuals to avoid certain areas, particularly in situations involving suspicious or unattended baggage.
Superintendent Lim Ke Wei, the head of operations at the Airport Police Division, emphasized that the patrol robots operate autonomously alongside human officers, serving as an extra set of eyes on the ground. This integration of technology is expected to enhance operational efficiency and enable officers to fulfill their duties more effectively.
It is worth mentioning that the development of the MATAR robots, which commenced as early as 2016, gained significance during the Covid-19 pandemic. The robots have proven to be valuable assets in maintaining security measures and ensuring public safety.
Singapore Police Force’s press release
OPERATIONALISATION OF PATROL ROBOTS AT CHANGI AIRPORT TERMINAL 4
Since April 2023, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) has deployed patrol robots at Changi Airport Terminal 4 to augment frontline Police officers in conducting premises patrol. Besides serving as additional eyes on the ground, they project additional police presence in the airport terminal.
Patrol Robots as Force Multipliers
The patrol robot is the latest addition to SPF’s technological arsenal, capable of autonomous patrol and providing the Police with an enhanced situational picture to enable better decision and sense-making. The robot is also equipped with in-built speakers to broadcast audio messages and display visual information on its display panel.
It can also deploy a suite of interim intervention measures (blinkers, siren, and speakers) to enforce a cordon or warn bystanders during an incident prior to the arrival of resources. Its extendable mast with 360-degree field of view and two-way communications also enables the Airport Police Operations Room to have an unimpeded view of the live situation and direct communication with the public for better incident management.
The integration of robotics enhances the operational efficiency and capabilities of our frontline officers, enabling them to be more effective in their duties. The SPF plans to progressively deploy more patrol robots to augment police’s operations across Singapore.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
15 June 2023 @ 3:16 PM
Images source: Ministry of Home Affairs and Singapore Police Force