GPC-DFA: DSO's innovation in robotics and AI equips SAF for the future

Chairman of the GPC-DFA, Mr Nair (first from right), and members viewing an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle in the Robotics Laboratory, during a visit hosted by SMS Dr Maliki (third from left) at the DSO National Laboratories (DSO) Complex.

Members of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs (GPC-DFA) and its Resource Panel visited the DSO National Laboratories (DSO) Complex this morning. The visit was hosted by Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman and Chief Executive Officer of DSO Cheong Chee Hoo.

During the visit, the GPC-DFA and Resource Panel members were introduced to DSO's state-of-the-art facilities and technological innovation capabilities through a tour of selected facilities. They also visited the High Containment Facility, the only facility in Singapore that receives, tests and verifies unknown chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents, toured The Playground, which houses the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hub and facilitates brainstorming through rapid prototyping and simulation, as well as saw the Robotics Laboratory, a one-stop facility to prototype, integrate, simulate and test robotic systems, including Unmanned Ground Vehicles and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. As part of the visit, the members also observed a real-time, indoor 3D mapping demonstration which showcased how drones could be used to alert soldiers of potential threats in unchartered territory.

Sharing his thoughts at the end of the visit, Chairman, GPC-DFA, Mr Vikram Nair said, "Today, we saw how drones and unmanned vehicles could conduct surveillance missions or deliver supplies to hard-to-reach terrains. We also learnt how AI could be used to detect potential terrorists through social media analysis. As we face rapid change in the defence and technological landscape, I am confident that DSO can help our defence force to harness new technologies, and augment our SAF to respond to new threats."

Dr Maliki (first row, first from right) and the GPC-DFA members receiving a brief on the Artificial Intelligence Hub at The Playground.

Dr Maliki (second from right) and the GPC-DFA members examining 3D-printed prototypes which were created at The Playground.

Dr Maliki (centre) and the GPC-DFA members observing a demonstration of drones mapping out the interior of a library.

Mr Nair (centre) learning to prepare test samples through a glovebox at the High Containment Facility, which tests and verifies unknown chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents.