Singapore commuters may soon find a rather unusual helper at Little India MRT station.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will conduct a trial of a humanoid robot named Olly at the Downtown Line station from Aug. 31 to Sep. 11, 2026. The initiative is part of LTA’s exploration of how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies could support public transport operations.
During the trial, commuters will be able to approach Olly to ask for directions and general questions about Singapore’s MRT lines. The robot is expected to familiarise itself with the station environment before the actual pilot begins.
Olly will be available on weekday mornings
Those hoping to interact with Olly will have to visit during its designated operating hours.
The humanoid robot will be available from 10am to 12pm on weekdays throughout the pilot period. LTA will also have personnel supervising the trial, suggesting that Olly is intended to complement rather than replace human assistance at the station.
The trial reflects Singapore’s broader push towards the use of AI-enabled technology in public transport. Rather than simply testing whether a humanoid robot can move around a station, LTA appears to be exploring how such technology could eventually improve the commuter experience.
A glimpse of AI in Singapore’s public transport system
For commuters, the most immediate use of Olly is likely to be straightforward questions such as finding a particular MRT line or getting directions around the station.
The trial could nevertheless provide LTA with useful insights into how members of the public interact with AI-powered machines in a busy transport environment. It may also help identify situations where robots can provide additional assistance while human staff focus on more complex commuter needs.
With Singapore already known for its adoption of smart-city technology, the appearance of a humanoid robot at an MRT station offers commuters a visible example of how artificial intelligence, robotics and automation could become more closely integrated into everyday public services.
For now, however, Olly remains a supervised trial rather than a permanent replacement for station staff. Commuters interested in seeing the robot in action can visit Little India MRT station on weekdays between 10am and noon from Aug. 31 to Sep. 11.