Singapore tests surveillance robots in parks

Singapore’s government is testing two robots over the next three weeks to detect violations of the law and alert people to violations. The two robots have, among other things, 360-degree cameras with image recognition.

Xavier, Singapore Surveillance Robot

The robots have been given the name Xavier and will be driving around Toa Payoh Central as a test in the next three weeks, says supplier HTX. Violations that the robot must be able to see include smoking in prohibited areas, gatherings with more than five people, illegally parked bicycles and motorcycles entering the footpath.

This is done, among other things, with 360-degree cameras that send a live feed to a command center. There are cameras for use in low light and infrared cameras with infrared LEDs for use in the dark. The people in the command center can use a dashboard to keep track of the robot’s battery and communication status, among other things.

HTX has not disclosed further details or specs. The supplier says that the robots are approximately the same as the Matar robots previously deployed.

Singapore is known as a country with a lot of surveillance. For example, there are many security cameras in public areas, internet traffic is monitored and prepaid SIM cards have to be registered. The government also has access to communication data.

Video from Singaporean public broadcaster CNA about Xavier