Autonomous Shuttle

In collaboration with MooVita, a high-tech start-up specializing in developing autonomous vehicle solutions, Robotics Research & Innovation Centre (RRIC) has jointly conducted several autonomous shuttle trials on NP campus.

These trials have better prepared us for future transport mobility needs, provide a better understanding of the technology, and for us to engage the wider NP community on the readiness and safety of the operation of autonomous shuttles.

Speakers

Plant Health Monitoring Robot

Applications of Hyperspectral Imaging for Early Detection of Pests in Plants

To mitigate the impact of food supply disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is renewed interest in indoor farming, where plants can grow in controlled environments. The Plant Health Monitoring Robot, a collaboration between NParks’ Department of Plant Science & Health and RRIC, is able to monitor the growth of plants for indoor farming. The robot reduces the manpower required and minimizes the need for close contact between staff who carry out such inspections.

A mobile robot with an elevator lift, it is capable of positioning hyperspectral cameras at pre-set heights and angles for image acquisition. The robot scans green plants via the hyperspectral camera mounted on the lift platform while moving along the alleyways of the indoor farming system. Through study and analysis, the data from the hyperspectral camera can be used to determine plant health status and the potential of plant infections at an early stage.

Plants can be stressed by biotic factors (e.g. insects, fungal pathogen) or abiotic factors (e.g. nutrient deficiency, heat, drought). To cope with these stress factors, plants undergo biochemical changes within their cells which, in turn, alter the way plant cells aborb and reflect light. In early stages of stress, these biochemical changes are often too subtle to be observable through naked eyes. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a cutting-edge technology that can measure these changes by measuring leaf reflectance across a wide range of electromagnetic spectrum. This presentation discusses the applications of HSI for early detection of biotic and abiotic stress factors in plants and how the technology can be used to enhance efficiency of horticultural and agricultural productions.

Speakers

Park Patrol Robot

To safeguard the health of park visitors during the Covid-19 pandemic, the National Parks Board (NParks) has put in place precautionary measures across public parks. To complement the NParks staff managing safe distancing and face mask rules, RRIC developed a park patrol robot that effectively enforces safe management measures.

Navigating independently around the park environment, the robot can detect visitors who breach safe management measures. It will send audio advisories to parks visitors and capture images of such incidents to alert NParks staff.

Equipped with chatbot and telepresence functions, park visitors can also communicate verbally with the robot to get directions to park facilities or for help in an emergency.

Speakers

Concierge Robot

In collaboration with Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s Student Services & Visitors Centre (SSVC), RRIC developed a concierge robot to host and assist campus visitors.

Designed to interact with visitors using verbal communication, the Concierge Robot elevates the chatbot experience for them while reducing the number of staff needed to man SSVC.

Speaker

From laboratory to factory: Innovative automation solutions in Project Wolbachia – Singapore

In collaboration with the Environmental Health Institute (EHI) of the National Environment Agency (NEA), RRIC has developed a rapid release device for mosquitoes (‘Mozzie Airlifter’), which can release male Wolbachia – carrying Aedes aegypti mosquitoes using an autonomous UAV. When these male Wolbachia - carrying mosquitoes mate with female dengue-causing mosquitoes, scientific studies have shown that their eggs will not hatch, thus reducing the population of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in the community. Attached to a drone, the Mozzie Airlifter releases the male Wolbachia - carrying mosquitoes in mid-air, and can be deployed with less manpower. With the Mozzie Airlifter, NP and EHI has explored the potential of using UAV technology to fight dengue.

Speakers