SINGAPORE – An anti-drone drone that captures hostile drones using nets, and an underwater search robot that uses artificial intelligence (AI) – these are just some of the technologies being developed in a facility in Jurong West.
Called Garage@HTX, the facility by the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) is located at 8 Cleantech Loop, and is Singapore’s first such facility built specifically for the testing of public safety assets.
It was officially opened on Oct 13, with HTX hosting an edition of its innovation and technology event series TechXplore at the location.
One project exhibited at the event was a drone interceptor that is the first of its kind in the world to operate independently of the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Global Navigation Satellite System.
Current counter-drone systems rely on blocking radio and GPS signals, making them unreliable when GPS signals are already weak.
One project exhibited at the event was a drone interceptor that is the first of its kind in the world to operate independently of GPS and the Global Navigation Satellite System.
ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
The drone interceptor being developed by HTX, however, can hunt and capture hostile drones even in places without GPS signals. It identifies the hostile drone and fires netting to ensnare the target, before transporting it to a secure location for removal or disposal.
HTX said that while the drone interceptor is currently operational, it will need compliance verification before it can be integrated into the current counter-drone systems being used.
Other drones on display included one powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. Current drones are typically powered by lithium-based batteries, with a flying time of about 30 minutes.
But the flying time of one powered by a hydrogen fuel cell is potentially four times longer, making such drones more suitable for the demanding missions of Home Team officers.
Other drones on display included one powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.
ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
The hydrogen fuel cell is also a cleaner power solution, producing water vapour instead of carbon emissions.
Another project featured at the event was an AI underwater search robot. While similar robots require operators to manually scrutinise sonar and camera feeds to spot underwater targets, the robot being developed by HTX uses AI to make searches smarter and safer.
It automatically detects potential underwater targets and moves in to create a high-resolution scan before relaying its position, so divers know where to check.
The AI underwater search robot automatically detects potential underwater targets and moves in to create a high-resolution scan before relaying its position, so divers know where to check.
ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
To enable the quick development of such projects, Garage@HTX is outfitted with 3D printers and laser cutters that can fabricate the necessary custom hardware on the spot.
The facility also features a specialised chamber that prevents electromagnetic signals from entering and escaping, an area with wind simulation and motion capture capabilities for robot and drone testing, and an electric vehicle charger.
Dr Daniel Teo, director of the Robotics, Automation and Unmanned Systems Centre of Expertise at HTX, said the facility will significantly cut down testing times, especially for drones.
HTX engineer Lee Wing Ho preparing a drone tuning rig at the launch of Garage@HTX on Oct 13.
ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
Before the facility was set up, testing a drone outdoors required the engineers to apply for a permit, which takes around two to three weeks to be issued.
Testing then depended on weather conditions, sometimes requiring up to two months before it could be done outdoors.
Dr Teo said: “Drone testing is susceptible to weather conditions and wind, which cannot be controlled outdoors. But with the facility, we can create repeatable conditions that allow us to quickly fine-tune the system on the spot.”
HTX chief executive Chan Tsan said potential threats such as rogue drones, which may be hostile, are becoming increasingly prevalent.
He said: “For the Home Team to stay ahead of the curve and be ever ready to tackle new challenges in today’s constantly evolving public safety landscape, it must be equipped with the latest technologies and facilities.”
Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong, who officially opened the facility on Oct 13, said the facility demonstrates the foresight of HTX to prepare for future challenges.
“We can’t always tell where the threats will come from, but for us, the ethos at the Home Team is always to be prepared, to be thinking ahead, and to be looking ahead,” he said.
“I am confident that this state-of-the-art facility will supercharge HTX’s ability in the critical aspect of testing and evaluation, and in turn give the Home Team the edge it needs to carry out its tasks with distinction.”
