{"id":51437,"date":"2026-05-11T05:06:45","date_gmt":"2026-05-10T21:06:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=51437"},"modified":"2026-05-11T05:06:45","modified_gmt":"2026-05-10T21:06:45","slug":"humanoid-robots-at-mrt-stations-in-10-15-years-panellists-at-st-roundtable-on-future-of-transport","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=51437","title":{"rendered":"Humanoid robots at MRT stations in 10-15 years: Panellists at ST roundtable on future of transport"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">SINGAPORE \u2013 <!-- -->In the future, commuters may enter an MRT station to find a humanoid robot helping with directions or patrolling the platforms.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Such a scenario is not a stretch, given rapid advances in technology, said Mr Yee Boon Cheow, deputy chief executive of infrastructure and development at the Land Transport Authority (LTA).<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cIn 10 to 15 years\u2019 time, we may start to see a humanoid helping out in the stations,\u201d he said at an In Perspective roundtable with The Straits Times on April 21.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">He was responding to a question from moderator Shefali Rekhi, ST\u2019s Asia News Network editor, on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/transport\/maintaining-mrt-system-more-complex-as-network-ages-st-roundtable-panellists?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\">how public transport could evolve over the next decade or so.<\/span><\/a> The topic of the roundtable was how smart technologies will shape the future of travel in Singapore.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Singapore, the MRT and mobility reimagined | In Perspective\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/6iNkaSyfpi8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Humanoid robots can take on routine tasks such as station patrols or answering simple commuter queries, freeing station staff to focus on higher-value work and customer service, he said. And in depots, humanoids could also help with physically demanding tasks like heavy lifting.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">But Mr Yee stressed that artificial intelligence (AI) should be used wisely.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cWe don\u2019t need AI for everything. We need to use AI in the correct manner,\u201d he said, adding that engineers must still have the domain knowledge required to interpret data accurately and act on it appropriately.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Others at the roundtable echoed the view that AI should support, rather than replace, human workers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Mr Ang Hang Guan, group chief engineering officer at SMRT, said AI is already being <!-- -->considered<!-- --> to enhance safety and security monitoring in stations, especially during peak hours, when crowds are large and harder to oversee.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">He added: \u201cWe do not believe that AI can take over and run everything.\u201d While AI-enabled systems help engineers by providing greater situational awareness and decision support, \u201cit is the human at the end that makes the decision\u201d, he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Associate Professor Raymond Ong from the National University of Singapore\u2019s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering said the focus should be on enabling workers to do more with automation, not replacing them or their skills.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">There may still be situations where systems fail, he noted, so engineers and technicians must retain the ability to carry out repairs manually.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cA fail-safe design is one that is where humans are still working on the systems, but robots are enhancing the operations,\u201d he said. \u201cThe human element will never go away.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">In response to a question from Ms Rekhi on whether AI can be trusted, given its ability to predict faults and minimise disruptions, Dr Samuel Chng, a research assistant professor at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), said commuters place their trust in the person or organisation using the AI, rather than the technology itself. It is this professional judgment and expertise that commuters trust, he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cAt the end of the day, the AI probably doesn\u2019t make the final decision,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Looking ahead, <!-- -->Prof<!-- --> Ong said transport systems could become more integrated, combining physical infrastructure with digital tools, robotics and data.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cWe see robots, AI, data flow, apps interacting with our physical assets&#8230; in a very integrated, seamless manner,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">This could also reshape how commuters experience their journeys. Dr Chng, who heads the Urban Psychology Lab at SUTD\u2019s Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities, suggested that apps could offer more personalised travel options, such as encouraging users to walk more.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">For instance, a commuter might choose a route that adds 5,000 steps to their day, even if it takes 15 minutes longer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cIt moves your whole journey from just being very transport-centric to thinking about it as an experience,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Technology could also play a bigger role in managing disruptions, one of the key challenges facing public transport.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Mr Yee said LTA is working with Google to provide real-time updates through apps, so commuters can quickly see which areas are affected and replan their journeys.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">SMRT also has its lifestyle app, Wink+, that goes beyond route planning, said Mr Ang. Additional features include information on station exits, nearby amenities and even the latest news and deals, he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cUltimately, the commuters are most important,\u201d said Mr Ang. He said a lifestyle app could help commuters, so that when they get off at the station, they know what amenities and shops are available there.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Even as technology advances, fostering inclusivity remains a central priority.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Dr Chng said systems must cater to all segments of society, including those who may not use smartphones.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cEven if we choose not to bring a phone, you should be able to get around,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">He added that while infrastructure has improved to support different needs, there is room to strengthen \u201cpeopleware\u201d \u2013 or how commuters interact with one another.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Simple acts, such as making space for others or allowing families with young children to board first, can make the system more inclusive and pleasant for everyone, he said.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"portrait inline-media-wrapper\" style=\"--aspect-article-portrait:800 \/ 365\" data-testid=\"inline-media-test-id\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/tags\/in-perspective\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_self\" data-testid=\"inline-image-link\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-start relative w-fit\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/34eb6d84a2d491df4b4dee0f18442a051404eca44d921ca06a623a80e0e53379?w=480\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 720px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/34eb6d84a2d491df4b4dee0f18442a051404eca44d921ca06a623a80e0e53379?w=720\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 721px and max-width: 3999px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/34eb6d84a2d491df4b4dee0f18442a051404eca44d921ca06a623a80e0e53379?w=800\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 4000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/34eb6d84a2d491df4b4dee0f18442a051404eca44d921ca06a623a80e0e53379\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/34eb6d84a2d491df4b4dee0f18442a051404eca44d921ca06a623a80e0e53379\" alt=\"\" class=\"aspect-portrait flex items-start shrink-0 portrait article-portrait object-contain mobile:w-auto tablet:w-auto\" data-testid=\"image-test-id\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/figure>\n<div class=\"article-list-container\" data-testid=\"bulleted-article-list-test-id\">\n<ul class=\"pl-22 list-disc article-list-wrapper\">\n<li class=\"article-list-item list-item\" data-testid=\"bulleted-article-list-item-test-id\">\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">In Perspective is a research-led content programme by SPH Media that combines insight-driven storytelling with expert perspectives on key issues shaping society.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/transport\/humanoid-robots-at-mrt-stations-in-10-15-years-panellists-at-st-roundtable-on-future-of-transport\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read Full Article At Source <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SINGAPORE \u2013 In the future, commuters may enter an MRT station to find a humanoid robot helping with directions or patrolling the platforms. Such a&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":51439,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2611],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-51437","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buzz-headlines","wpcat-2611-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51437","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=51437"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51437\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/51439"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=51437"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=51437"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=51437"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}