AI solution to make neighbourhoods safer for seniors among projects at city planning exhibition

Using a mix of sensors, robots and AI, an ongoing study is teaching urban planners how to make Singapore’s neighbourhoods safer for its ageing population.

- Justine Ong

It starts by getting seniors to wear sensors on their arms, ankles and waists. As they walk, the sensors pick up data on how fast they are going and how stable they are. At the same time, a robot analyses conditions on the ground.

Artificial intelligence then analyses all this information to identify environmental factors that may increase the risk of falls.

The study by the Singapore-ETH Centre (SEC) started in 2023 and was carried out in Yio Chu Kang to get more realistic results.

Said SEC post-doctoral researcher Kresimir Friganovic: “In the lab, testers mostly walk on a straight path or on the treadmill, but outside, there are much more complex influences.”

It is one of 10 projects on display at the AI for Cities exhibition by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). Launched on June 3, the free exhibition showcases the uses of AI in planning, building and managing Singapore’s land.