Robota-patrol systems, which have been under testing and deployment for five years, will now gradually unfold all over Singapura. These autonomous mobile surveillance systems are designed to strengthen the work of civil servants to enhance the health and safety of the population. The use of patrol robots is not new to Singapore as the state launched tests of the Xavier land robot last year. The robot was engaged in patrolling public places with high cross-country ability and was designed to detect various violations such as incorrect parking bicycles, mopeds on pedestrian paths, and smoking in public places.
Two Matar 3.0 autonomous robots that come with rotating cameras, flashing lights, siren, and 2.3-meter drawer masts are in operation at Changi Terminal 4 as of April 2023. The police can communicate directly with the public through the speakers of robots or by video communication. All videos are stored at the airport for 30 days. The use of Matar 2.0 patrol robots became widespread during the Covid-19 pandemic as they patrolled residential complexes and shopping centers in search of violators of social distance measures. One of the advantages of using robot-patrol during this pandemic was that the law enforcement agencies were not subjected to the risk of getting infected. Now that in the city-state there are no more social distance measures and a mask regime, Singapore decided that the need for “additional eyes remains relevant.”
The video below shows Robot Patrol Matar 3.0 in operation at Changi Terminal 4.
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In conclusion, with the successful testing and deployment of autonomous mobile surveillance systems, Singapore is set to use these robot-patrols all over the city to enhance public safety and health. With the Xavier land robot and Matar 3.0 robots, Singapore has set the tone for embracing technology to monitor and enforce laws.