Autonomous robots offer enhanced surveillance and communication features for public safety.
SINGAPORE: Visitors to Changi Airport Terminal 4 may have noticed a new addition to the security team—two autonomous police patrol robots. Deployed since April, these robots are part of the Singapore Police Force’s (SPF) efforts to complement frontline officers and expand surveillance. Plans are underway to roll out more of these robots across Singapore, SPF announced on June 15.
These patrol robots are part of Project MATAR (Multi-purpose All-Terrain Autonomous Robot) and have previously been tested at events like the National Day Parade. Each robot is equipped with a 360-degree camera mounted on a 2.3-meter extendable mast, allowing airport police operations to monitor a broad view of the surroundings in real time.
The robots feature a button for direct communication with airport police, as well as speakers and an LCD panel to display messages such as “Police Operation In Progress.” In emergencies, the robots can use audio messages, sirens, and blinkers to secure an area or alert bystanders. If, for instance, a robot detects an unattended bag, it can immediately warn nearby individuals while officers are on the way.
Footage captured by the robots is live-streamed to the operations room and stored for 30 days. Superintendent Lim Ke Wei, head of operations at the Airport Police Division, highlighted the efficiency boost these robots bring: “The operationalisation of patrol robots at Changi Airport represents a significant milestone in our exploration of robotics in policing. These patrol robots operate autonomously, providing additional surveillance and enhancing the capabilities of our frontline officers.”
