Singapore pilots robot dog to assist safe distancing in parks

Source: Smart Cities World Published: May 12, 2020

Singapore is piloting a robot dog to help promote safe distancing in parks, gardens and nature reserves to lower the risk of exposure to coronavirus.

Spot, which is controlled remotely and fitted with safety sensors that detect objects and people in its path, is being deployed over a 3km stretch in the River Plains section of Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park for two weeks during off-peak hours.

The four-legged robot is also being trialled at the Changi Exhibition Centre community isolation facility to deliver essential items such as medicine to patients.

Safe distancing

The trial is being run by the National Parks Board (NParks) and the Smart Nation and Digital Government Group (comprising Smart Nation and Digital Government Office and Government Technology Agency).