Humanoids, nurse bots, remote forklifts on show at robot expo

Accelerator initiative dubbed RoboNexus to support local robotics firms launched

- Osmond Chia

With human-like hands and legs, humanoid robots can manoeuvre through confined spaces and handle tools meant for humans.

Androids will soon find new jobs in Singapore too, with local robotics company dConstruct Robotics planning to deploy humanoids as an assistant for concierge services and chores in the office through a tie-up with US robotics firm Persona AI.

Such androids, designed to take over human workers in high-risk work settings, are increasingly being tested in heavy industries and manufacturing plants by the likes of US firms Boston Dynamics and Tesla, and Chinese manufacturers such as Deep Robotics.

A mock-up of a humanoid robot by Persona AI was showcased in a robotics fair called RoboSG! held on March 14 at the Punggol Digital District (PDD), earmarked to be the largest regional test bed for robotic applications.

"How do you get a robot to climb steps, open doors and handle human equipment without having to build a new robot just for each purpose? Best way is to replicate the human form, because it can be applied to any industry," said Mr Nicolaus Radford, co-founder and chief executive of Persona AI.

To boost Singapore's robotics standing on the global stage, Manpower Minister and Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng announced an accelerator initiative on March 14 to support local robotics firms with business consultancy and client connections.

Dubbed RoboNexus, the initiative also connects promising local firms to venture firms for funding.