Global Economic Times

Singapore Steps Up Deployment of Robot Dogs for Future City Security, Guidance, and Patrol Amidst Rapidly Growing Robotics Industry: Graciela Maria Reporter / Updated : 2025-05-13 06:38:56

Singapore is aggressively pursuing the adoption of robot dogs to bolster the safety of its future city, enhance citizen convenience, and improve the efficiency of facility management. This push aligns with the rapid growth of the nation's robotics industry, which has seen the number of robot-related companies surge from approximately 200 in 2023 to over 300 in 2025. Consequently, the scope of applications for robot dogs is steadily expanding.

Recent reports from Singaporean media highlight the diverse roles robot dogs are undertaking, including guarding bus depots, guiding visually impaired individuals, patrolling construction sites, and supporting social welfare initiatives. Notably, the increasing number of manufacturers entering the market, particularly from China, has driven down the price of robot dogs to as low as US$2,700 (S$3,500), making their adoption more accessible.

In March, Chinese robotics firm Deep Robotics unveiled a one-touch navigation technology for its robot dogs, enhancing user control and autonomy in complex real-world environments. This advancement signals the potential for robot dogs to be utilized practically in an even wider array of settings.

Globally, the use of robot dogs is on the rise, with their necessity recognized in hazardous or inaccessible areas such as law enforcement, military operations, and nuclear facilities. Singapore is actively integrating robot dogs into various sectors, including underground facility maintenance, construction site monitoring, and social welfare services.

The Straits Times (TST), a leading Singaporean daily, reported that robot dogs, which previously assisted with social distancing enforcement in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park during the COVID-19 pandemic, were recently spotted accompanying political candidates at election rallies. This illustrates the expanding role of robot dogs beyond industrial sites into the broader social fabric.

Singapore's robotics industry is experiencing remarkable growth, supported by the proactive National Robotics Programme (NRP), which aims to enhance efficiency and foster industrial development. The NRP estimates the number of robot-related companies has grown from around 200 in 2023 to over 300 currently. While the NRP does not track the exact number of robot dogs in use, TST indicates a growing interest in these quadrupedal robots due to their superior mobility and adaptability in diverse environments, such as stairs and uneven terrain, compared to traditional wheeled robots.

Currently, research is underway in Singapore to pilot robot dogs as guide dogs for the visually impaired. Developed by researchers at the National University of Singapore, these robot companions are seen as a potential solution to the limited availability and high cost of traditional guide dogs. Equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) and image recognition software, the robot dogs can respond to complex commands and navigate various environments. Tests with visually impaired users have demonstrated their ability to successfully traverse stairs and uneven ground. Future pilot programs are planned for public spaces such as transportation hubs and parks.

According to TST, robot dogs are also playing a crucial role in security. Since late 2024, a robot dog has been patrolling the perimeter of the Seletar Bus Depot, utilizing cameras, thermal imaging equipment, and sensors to detect intrusions or vandalism. A remote monitoring system allows security teams to assess situations and respond in real-time. Similarly, at the Sengkang MRT Depot, a comparable robot dog is being used to inspect the undercarriage of trains, identifying maintenance issues such as detached panels or leaks.

In hazardous environments, robot dogs are supporting inspections while ensuring the safety of human workers. Deployed in underground tunnels to identify structural issues, these robots mitigate the risks associated with human entry. Furthermore, at public housing construction sites, robot dogs are being used to assess stair safety, precisely scanning for inconsistencies in height and depth.

TST reports that robot dog technology has been continuously evolving since its initial introduction in Singapore in 2020, where it supported COVID-19 pandemic control efforts in parks and healthcare facilities. With expanding applications in social welfare services, infrastructure inspection, and security, robot dogs are establishing themselves as practical solutions in areas where their mobility, durability, and sensor capabilities can enhance efficiency. Singapore's experience offers a glimpse into the future of urban environments leveraging advanced technology to enhance safety and convenience.