Singapore is like living in the future compared to the rest of the world. The city has a sci-fi look and is working to become a smart city. People often think that technology is only advanced in places like Japan, China, or the US, but Singapore is actually the most technologically advanced place in the world. The city is becoming known as the technology capital of Asia and is showing it through its smart technology advancements.
Self-driving Car
Self-driving Cars started in Singapore in 2016. A company called nuTonomy, now part of Aptiv, tested the first robot taxis. The test was small, with only 6 cars in a small area, but it inspired other companies to try it too. Now, in 2023, the idea of having many self-driving taxis in Singapore is still possible.
The biggest taxi company in Singapore, ComfortDelGro, is working with a company called Ottopia to develop self-driving technology and is also partnering with Mobileye to launch self-driving taxis.
Robotic Police
Singapore is using technology to keep people safe. Even though Singapore is already one of the safest places in the world, adding technology to the police force makes it even better. In 2021, the police tested robots called "Xavier" that would warn people if they were breaking the rules. The robots could detect things like smoking in forbidden areas, improperly parked bikes, and not following social distancing rules during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The robots would just warn people, but not take any physical action. The police also have a robot called MiniX that can detect bombs and other dangers at big events. The MiniX robot travels underground and a drone checks high places, both have been used at important events like National Day celebrations and the Shangri-La Dialogue.
Smart Living
In Singapore, people are living in smart homes because of a plan made by the Housing & Development Board (HDB). The plan, called the Smart Town Framework, started in 2014 and helps people make their homes smart. The HDB wants every home in Singapore to be smart. The plan includes five things, including homes, and helps people use technology to make their homes better.
For example, people can use a system to manage their utilities and save money on their bills. Smart home technology is getting better very quickly and soon, people will have homes that can take care of themselves.
Robot workers
Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, there were fewer foreign workers in Singapore from 2019 to 2021, so the city is using robots to help. According to a report from the International Federation of Robotics, Singapore has the second-highest number of robots in the world, after South Korea. Robots can be found in many places in Singapore, like building sites, libraries, subway stations, and coffee shops.
The government is also trying to use robots in the healthcare industry to make things more efficient. For example, robots already give out medicine, which makes things faster and reduces waiting time at pharmacies.
Cashless Payments
In Singapore, they are trying to make life easier by not using cash. Instead, people can pay with their phones by scanning a code at stores or restaurants.
There are different bank apps they can use, like NETSPay, DBS PayLah!, OCBC Pay Anyone, and UOB Mighty. Over time, people will likely stop carrying cash at all. This change could also help reduce crime and illegal activities that involve cash.
Virtual Reality and Singapore
When talking about smart cities, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are important topics.
AR lets businesses connect with people using their products even when they're not there in person. For example, people in Singapore can try on clothes and makeup and see furniture in their homes by using their smartphones.
In 2022, Singapore made history by becoming the first nation to digitize their entire nation. VR also provides many opportunities for fun. Singapore is home to some of the world's leading VR companies, who are making exciting new games for people to play.
Conclusion
Even though we can't travel back in time yet, we can still see what the future might look like by visiting Singapore, the technology capital of Asia. Let their futuristic ideas inspire you to help build a better future.
