HTX launches new garage facility to test robots, drones for Home Team

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.

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.

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.”