Seven technologies that are making Singapore a smart city

Singapore seems to be living in 2119, a country where the future can be glimpsed.

While the rest of the world is living in 2019, Singapore seems to be living in 2119. The city's sci-fi landscape perfectly portrays Singapore's goal of becoming a smart nation.

People all over the world mistakenly believe that China, Japan or the United States are the guiding lights of technological progress. The most futuristic place, however, is Singapore. Here, technological breakthroughs are as frequent as rain in London.

Singapore is steadily demonstrating its status as Asia's tech capital.

Singapore is truly a smart city, as evidenced by the following 7 technological advancements.

self-driving car

The concept of self-driving cars has been around for decades and has fascinated many sci-fi fans. Singapore has turned that dream into reality by introducing the world's first driverless taxi system. It might seem strange to a foreigner to step into a car only to find that there is no driver in it. However, Singaporeans are getting used to this technological marvel.

There are plans to roll out driverless cars that can be booked with a smartphone. Additionally, the government is expected to roll out driverless buses in 2022. These vehicles will become an inherent part of the streets and public transport in areas such as Punggol, Jurong and Tengah.

Self-driving cars will make a major contribution to infrastructure development and Singapore's progress towards becoming a smart city.

hire robot police

While Singapore already has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, the use of technology in police work can make criminals even more troublesome.

Last year, Singapore police began using special drones to conduct aerial searches. The quadcopter can reach a height of 60 meters. Engineers equipped them with powerful sirens and searchlights that were ten times more powerful than car headlights.

In addition, ground spaces are now also patrolled by robots during special public events. They are completely autonomous, using pre-planned paths to navigate. Since the robots are equipped with cameras, they offer the possibility of remote monitoring.

The wisdom of life

A central element of Singapore's vision for future living, the HDB Smart Home project aims to elevate everyday life by making homes smarter and cooler. Today, every Singaporean can make their home smarter by installing devices and apps in their smart home.

Not only will a utility management system help you stay calm and make sure you turn off the taps or lights, but it will also allow you to keep your utility bills down. It also has an Elderly Monitoring System that uses sensors and alarms to monitor the health of seniors while they are home alone.

Smart home technology is advancing at top speed, so it is only a matter of time before people have self-sufficient homes.

Smart street

Singapore is currently aiming to make its streets smarter by installing lampposts that can light up the streets and at the same time light up the city's technological future.

These new luminaires are equipped with sensors and analysis systems. With the help of sensors, it will be possible to monitor environmental changes such as temperature, rainfall, and humidity, among others. Additionally, there will be noise sensors that can respond to high-decibel noises, such as someone screaming or a car crash.

In addition, the plan will also install facial recognition sensors on street lights to improve the safety of Singapore's streets.

robot around

More recently, Singapore has introduced robots into the workforce. With 488 robots per 10,000 employees, Singapore is the second most advanced country in the world by these measures, after South Korea. Industrial robots typically perform minor tasks like retrieving and returning service items, but this small change makes workplaces look more futuristic than ever.

The introduction of industrial robots is only the first step in creating a smart working environment. Recently, students and staff at the Ngee Ann Institute of Technology developed a "robot trainer" that can provide physical exercise to older adults.

Singapore is working hard to incorporate robots into the medical industry to improve their efficacy. For example, robots are already dispensing medication, making the process faster and reducing wait times at pharmacies.

cashless payment

Smart living means every aspect of a comfortable life. That's why Singapore is turning to cashless payment methods to get rid of people's habit of carrying cash and queuing at ATMs.

Today, Singaporeans can simply use their smartphones to pay via QR codes at restaurants or retail outlets, and they can pay through bank wallet apps such as NETSPay, DBS PayLah, etc.

In fact, with the development of cashless payment, people will gradually stop carrying cash with them. It is expected that in a few years, not only will robbers disappear, but electronic payments will also reduce those illegal transactions that rely on cash.

With the widespread use of electronic payments and cashless payment methods across the country, Singapore is getting closer to the goal of a cashless country.

Fusion of virtual reality

When it comes to the concept of smart cities, one cannot fail to mention the most popular trends today: virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).

As augmented reality brings together the virtual and real worlds, it enables businesses to engage users remotely with their products. Today, every Singaporean can hold a smartphone to try on clothes, make-up, and even add furniture.

Perhaps the most ambitious VR project is Virtual Singapore, which aims to create a digital 3D model of the city. The project will serve as a testing ground for the Singapore government, businesses and researchers. With their help, a more resilient and smarter city will be created.

VR also offers a plethora of entertainment opportunities. Singapore is home to the world's leading virtual reality development companies. They are betting on the huge opportunity that virtual reality presents and have already attracted a large number of players with the new gaming experience.

Final thoughts on smart cities in Singapore

While the time machine has yet to be invented, you can still glimpse into the future by visiting Asia's tech capital, Singapore. May their future spirit inspire you to take part in creating the future.

Author: Sophie Zoria

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