Robotics, Automation and Unmanned Systems

Collage of technology including a police drone, a patrol robot, a firefighter's exoskeleton, and an automated car checkpoint.

The Robotics, Automation and Unmanned Systems Centre of Expertise leverages the new era of robotics and drone technology to unleash new innovations that will enable the Home Team to have better situational awareness, make better informed decisions, and achieve enhanced efficiency and productivity.

The new era of robots and drones has opened tremendous possibilities for the HTX Robotics, Automation & Unmanned Systems (RAUS) Centre of Expertise to translate these technologies for the greater good.

From humanoid robots that replicate tasks performed by our Home Team officers, to drones that offer alternative perspectives, RAUS is building an integrated ecosystem of intelligent machines that amplify human capability while keeping our officers safe. These technologies don't replace our front-line heroes — they multiply their effectiveness, extend their reach, and shield them from harm.

Five Pillars of Innovation

1. Intelligence, Interaction and Interoperation (3i): The Brain

In anticipation of future needs, the Home Team Humanoid Robotics Centre (H2RC) — which is likely the first such facility in the world dedicated to public safety — is advancing the development of humanoid robots for public safety applications. These robots think, learn, and reason like humans while conducting dull, dirty and dangerous tasks such as handling hazardous materials, in a fast-evolving field known as Embodied AI.

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2. Ground Systems: The Foundation

Ground Robotics: Our mobile ground forces create an omnipresent safety net across Singapore. Police patrol robots provide round-the-clock vigilance at Changi Airport, agile Rover-X quadrupeds navigate hazmat incidents, and our breakthrough Cyborg Cockroaches — successfully deployed in Myanmar — navigate dangerous collapsed structures.

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Automation: Automation systems transform how the Home Team operates. The Automated Passenger Clearance System (APCS) defined the method to enable breeze-through immigration clearance, freeing officers for critical duties. The Prison Automated Screening System (PASS) revolutionises drug testing through fully contactless urine collection and analysis, allowing supervisees greater flexibility while maintaining programme integrity.

3. Aerial Systems: The Sky Guardians

Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drones — Singapore's first approved BVLOS drones for medium-risk operations — significantly enhance the Home Team's sense-making and situational awareness. They provide 24/7 coverage spanning southern and central Singapore, detecting critical threats from radiation leaks to crowd disturbances.

4. Maritime Systems: The Sea Sentinels

Unmanned surface vessels patrol Singapore's waters, detecting threats, monitoring hazardous materials, and providing autonomous firefighting capabilities — enhancing maritime safety and security while reducing personnel risk.

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5. Counter Unmanned Systems: The Shield

As Unmanned Systems (US) evolve into potential weapons, our Counter-US capabilities stand ready to defend Singapore. Our Rapid Deployable Counter Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) System cuts through urban interference to neutralise threats, while our world-first GPS-independent drone hunter pursues targets even when satellite navigation is compromised.

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The Future is Here

Through seamless integration across these pillars, RAUS creates an interconnected ecosystem where diverse robots work together to keep Singapore safe. This is the future we are already creating: technology amplifying human judgment, machines shouldering dangerous burdens, and our Home Team officers empowered to focus on protecting Singapore and our people.