Environmental Robotics Programme [Closed for Applications]

Overview
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As part of NEA’s strategy to leverage robotics technology to transform Singapore’s environmental services sector, the Environmental Robotics Programme (ERP) was developed. The ERP is an R&D funding initiative that was launched alongside the Environmental Services Industry Transformation Map (ES-ITM) in December 2017.

As part of NEA’s strategy to leverage robotics technology to transform Singapore’s environmental services sector, the Environmental Robotics Programme (ERP) was developed. The ERP is an R&D funding initiative that was launched alongside the Environmental Services Industry Transformation Map (ES-ITM) in December 2017.

In particular, the ERP aims to:
a) Enable productivity gains. Through the research, development, demonstration and deployment of robotic solutions, NEA seeks to reduce both NEA’s and NEA contractors’ manpower requirements for current-day operations as well as for future operations in an increasingly urbanised environment.
b) Enable sustainable manpower stream. The use of robotic technology can transform current manual tasks that are traditionally lower-skilled, lower paying and strenuous, into jobs that are higher-skilled, more productive and better-paying. This would make such jobs more accessible and attractive to a wider demographic base, including locals.
c) Enhance current capabilities and enable new ones. The use of robotic technology will improve the safety and effectiveness of NEA officers and enable them to better access confined and dangerous areas to carry out inspection, monitoring and sampling tasks.

The Environmental Robotics Programme seeks to develop robotics solutions for NEA’s work areas in:
i. Cleaning of Public Spaces;
ii. Waste Management (Collection, Transportation, Sorting and Disposal);
iii. Inspection, Monitoring and Sampling for Pest and Pollution Control

The public sector will continue to lead demand, with projects aimed at catalysing  the local robotics industry, providing opportunities for small and medium enterprises, institutes of higher learning, and research institutes to build up expertise and experience in delivering environmental robotic solutions which can be commercialised and exported.

There is currently no open grant call.