In the first of our #GeospatialPower series, we speak to Dr Zhang Yanliang, Chief Scientist at Weston Robot on how his robots are utilising SLA’s #geospatial data and infrastructure to solve daily challenges, increase productivity, reduce labour-intensive work and better the lives of Singaporeans.
Photo: SLA
Hi Dr Zhang! Can you briefly tell us what Weston Robot is?
Weston Robot is a Singapore-based startup that was started 5 years ago. We develop the core technology for robotics and our solutions fall into three major categories – facility management, utility and transportation.
Can you tell us more about each of these categories?
Certainly. Facility Management robots include robots for water cleaning, river cleaning, sweeping, and grass cutting to manage various environmental tasks.
Utility robots are designed for challenging and remote sites like oil and gas facilities and power plants. These robots enhance productivity by performing tasks such as security patrolling and inspections.
Transportation robots assist in the regular or daily maintenance of airplanes, railways, and MRT systems, reducing the workload for skilled personnel and improving productivity.
Photo: Weston Robot
Sounds like they are deployed everywhere! Where can we find your robots?
We deploy over 300 autonomous robots across Singapore, including sweepers at Gardens by the Bay, security patrol robots at Jurong Island, and grass-cutting mowers at Jurong Lake Gardens. These robots operate autonomously but are supervised remotely via a tablet app developed by Weston Robot. In addition, the robots return to their stations for charging.
This approach transforms traditional manual labour into higher-value, more enjoyable work. This will appeal to younger generations by offering the convenience of monitoring robots from air-conditioned environments rather than performing physically demanding tasks outdoors.
CNA and Zaobao recently reported on NEA’s deployment of our automated robots to clean waterways in Sungei Seletar, the first project to tap on the 5G network to clean up waste in waterways. This not only helps to improve the working environment and safety of cleaners, it also raises cleaning efficiency by 80%.
Your robots use SiReNT for precise positioning. Why is it important to use SiReNT?
When we deploy robots, we want it to be fully autonomous. This is why precise positioning is so important. We use Singapore Satellite Positioning Reference Network (SiRENT) by SLA, which is a national reference network infrastructure developed to support real-time high precision positioning, navigation and tracking, up to mere centimetres accuracy.
In places like canals and rivers, robots follow preselected coordinates, adjusting to changing conditions. GPS alone lacks the centimetre-level accuracy needed.
The only solution for pin-pointing location is SiReNT.
Photo: SLA
What does it take to work in the robotics field?
We have about 20 people in Singapore managing research and deployment. Engineering is a diverse field and our engineers are from different tertiary institutions in Singapore with most of them being full time graduates. We also have interns from polytechnics, ITEs and universities.
We have a signage in office – “Engineer is a Superstar.” We are always on the lookout for the next engineering talent and we hope to see growing interest in robotics, given its significant benefits for society and citizens.
Photo: SLA
Which is your favourite product so far?
Picking a favourite product is hard – it’s like picking your favourite child. The most impressive one to me so far, is the solution we developed to detect gas leakage. The robot uses chemical sensors that humans cannot pick up. I feel it’s an important tool that can prevent fatal accidents. This has been deployed since January this year and we hope to expand the deployment to more households.
Photo: Weston Robot
What are some of the challenges you face at Weston Robot?
Customers expect robots to be intelligent and aware of their surroundings. Ideally, robots should work seamlessly in various locations without requiring customisation and have contingency plans to ensure tasks are completed if issues arise.
However, most current robots are single-purpose devices that are sensitive to deployment conditions, meaning a robot that works in one shopping mall may not function in another due to differences in ramps and lighting. We are developing new technologies to bridge this gap, making robots more proactive and capable of making decisions, such as recognising and responding quickly to unique situations.
Another challenge is children! The number 1 ‘obstacle’ to these robots when they are at work, is children going up to these robots and turning them off! I think it’s important to educate them on robot safety, and at the same time, we can take the opportunity to engage them on the wonders and potential of robotics.
Source: https://www.sla.gov.sg/newsroom/news-n-events/geospatial-power-weston-robot
- 10-30At the SWITCH 2024 Expo, held in Singapore from October 28 to 30, Weston Robot captivated audiences with live demonstrations of its cutting-edge robotics lineup, including the Robot Dog models B2 and GO2, the Humanoid Robot G1, and an innovative Exoskeleton. Attendees observed firsthand how these robots are set to transform industries like security, logistics, and customer service. A unique highlight was the Exoskeleton, which guests could try on to experience how it reduces the strain of carrying heavy objects during physical labor. Weston Robot’s exhibit underscored its commitment to pioneering solutions that enhance human capability and efficiency.
- 10-25
Weston Robot Shines as a Golden Sponsor at MDX 2024
Weston Robot proudly participated as a golden sponsor at the Malaysia Digital Xceleration Summit 2024 (MDX 2024), showcasing innovative robotic technologies, including the Robot Dog models GO2 and GO1, and the Humanoid Robot G1. Our booth captivated attendees, highlighting robotics’ potential in sectors like security and education. A notable moment was the demonstration of the Humanoid Robot G1 to Malaysia’s FLEUR PELLERIN AND MINISTER OF DIGITAL, YB TUAN GOBIND SINGH DEO, who experienced its advanced AI capabilities firsthand. This event reinforced Weston Robot’s dedication to advancing robotics in Malaysia, contributing to the nation’s digital transformation goals. - 10-19
Innovation Unleashed: Weston Robot Highlights Humanoid G1 and Robot Dog GO2 at SDEC Expo
Weston Robot participated as an exhibitor at the Selangor Smart City & Digital Economy (SDEC) Expo, held in Kuala Lumpur from October 16th to 19th, 2024. We showcased our Humanoid Robot G1 and two Robot Dog GO2 models, demonstrating their advanced capabilities in customer service, security, and industrial applications. A highlight of the event was the participation of Robot Dog GO2 in the opening ceremony, impressing attendees with its agility and precision. Our presence at the expo provided valuable networking opportunities, reinforcing Weston Robot's commitment to advancing smart city technologies through innovative robotics solutions.
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