Singapore seems to live in 2119. This smart nation is the one to look to for a sneak peek into the future.
While the rest of the world is living in 2019, Singapore seems to be in 2119. The city’s sci-fi views perfectly depict that Singapore is targeting to become a smart nation.
People all over the world falsely consider that China, Japan, or the United States serve as the guiding light of technological progress. Yet, the most futuristic place where technological breakthroughs are as regular as London’s rainfalls is Singapore.
The city-state is steadily flexing its standing as Asia’s technology capital.
Singapore is truly a smart city, and here are 7 technological advancements that prove this notion.
Self-driving Cars
The concept of self-driving cars has existed for decades, fascinating the minds of sci-fi lovers. Singapore is going to turn this dream into reality by introducing the world’s first driverless taxi system. It might be odd for a foreigner to enter a car and realize there is no driver in there. Yet, Singaporeans are steadily getting used to this technological miracle.
There are plans to introduce driverless cars that people can book using their smartphones. What is more, the government expects to release driverless buses by 2022. Those vehicles are going to become an inherent part of streets and public transport in such areas as Punggol, Jurong, and Tengah.
Self-driving cars will significantly contribute to infrastructure development and to Singapore becoming a smart city.
Hiring Robotic Police
Though Singapore’s crime rates are already some of the lowest in the world, the implementation of technologies into police performance creates even more troubles for criminals.
Last year, the Singapore Police Force started using special drones to conduct aerial searches. Quadcopters can reach highs of 60 meters. Engineers equipped them with powerful sirens and a searchlight that is ten times more powerful than car headlights.
Besides, the ground space is also now patrolled by bots during special public events. They are completely autonomous and use pre-planned paths to navigate. Since bots are equipped with cameras, they open possibilities for remote surveillance.
Smart Living in Singapore
As a core element of Singapore’s vision of future life, HDB Smart-Enabled Home Initiative aims to advance daily living by making homes smarter and cooler. Today, every Singaporean can make their home smart by installing devices and applications in a smart-enabled home.
A utilities management system not only helps you stay calm and be sure that you have turned the tap or light off, but it also allows you to lower utility bills. There’s also an elderly monitoring system that uses sensors and alerts to monitor the well-being of elderly relatives when they’re home alone.
Smart home technologies are now advancing at the highest pace, so it’s only a matter of time before people have self-sufficient homes.
Smart Streets
Singapore is currently aiming to make its streets smarter by installing lamp posts that can lighten up avenues while brightening the city’s technological future.
Those new lamps are equipped with sensors and analytic systems. With the help of sensors, it will be possible to monitor environmental changes, such as temperature, rainfall, and humidity. Besides, there will also be noise sensors that can react to loud noises like someone screaming or a car crash.
Moreover, the plan is to equip the lamps with face recognition sensors to promote the safety of Singapore’s streets.
Robots Among Us
Recently, Singapore introduced robotic stuff into the workforce. There are 488 robots per 10,000 employees in Singapore, and in these terms, it’s the second most-advanced country in the world, after South Korea. Industrial robots usually perform minor tasks like fetching and returning service items, but this little change makes the workplace look much more futuristic than ever before.
The introduction of industrial robots is only the first step towards creating a smart work environment. Recently, the students and staff from Ngee Ann Polytechnic institution developed a “RoboCoach” that can provide physical training for old people.
Singapore strives to incorporate robots into the medical industry to promote its efficacy. For example, robots already dispense medication, which makes this process faster and brings down the waiting times at pharmacies.
Cashless Payments
Smart living implies comfort in every aspect of life. That’s why Singapore is shifting toward a cashless payment approach to rid people of carrying cash and staying in long ATM lines.
Today, Singaporeans can pay via QR codes at restaurants or retail shops using only their smartphones. Payments can be made through such bank wallet apps as NETSPay, DBS PayLah!, OCBC Pay Anyone, and UOB Mighty
In fact, with the development of cashless payments, people will steadily stop carrying any cash with them. It’s expected that not only muggers will be out of business after several years but e-payments will also reduce illegal trade that relies on cash.
E-payments and cashless payment methods are now widely used across the country. This practice puts Singapore one step closer to the cashless nation.
Merging With Virtual Reality
Speaking about the smart city concept, it’s impossible not to mention the most popular trends of modern days: virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
Since augmented reality combines the virtual and real worlds, it makes it possible for businesses to engage users with their products remotely. Today, every Singaporean can try on clothes, makeup, and even add furniture to their homes by holding a smartphone.
Probably the most ambitious VR project is Virtual Singapore. It aims at creating a digital three-dimensional model of the city. This project will become a testbed for Singapore’s government, businesses, and researchers with the help of those who will create a more resilient and smarter city.
VR also offers vast opportunities for entertainment. Singapore is a cradle of the world’s leading virtual reality development companies. They bet on vast opportunities offered by VR and already fascinate gamers with new gaming experiences.
Singapore Smart City Final Thoughts
While the time travel machine is not invented yet, it’s still possible to look into the future by visiting Asia’s technology capital: Singapore. May their futuristic spirit inspire you to participate in the creation of the future.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Sophie Zoria
Quelle/Source: IoT For All, 22.11.2019
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