Not enough service staff? Why not 'hire' a robot

Robotic technology has produced successes in service sector, but there's more it can offer

Senserbot team members (from left) vice-president for research and development Li Renjun, chief technology officer Ho Chin Keong and chief executive Peter Mao, with Temasek Polytechnic's library director Puspa Yeow and librarian Tan Han Yong. Robbie's cas
Senserbot team members (from left) vice-president for research and development Li Renjun, chief technology officer Ho Chin Keong and chief executive Peter Mao, with Temasek Polytechnic's library director Puspa Yeow and librarian Tan Han Yong. Robbie's casing is made transparent so students can see what is inside. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
Robot Robbie at work in Temasek Polytechnic's library. The workhorse saves library officers 16 man-hours a day so they can undertake less tedious work.
Robot Robbie at work in Temasek Polytechnic's library. The workhorse saves library officers 16 man-hours a day so they can undertake less tedious work. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
Robot Temi can assist in social services and Snow, in pre-school as a teaching aid.
Robot Temi can assist in social services and Snow, in pre-school as a teaching aid. ST PHOTO: JOYCE FANG
KenOBI the RoboGuard, an autonomous security, concierge and events robot that augments and enhances the work of security officers, with Oneberry CEO Ken Pereira (right) and CTO Julien Lenser-Hobbs.
KenOBI the RoboGuard, an autonomous security, concierge and events robot that augments and enhances the work of security officers, with Oneberry CEO Ken Pereira (right) and CTO Julien Lenser-Hobbs. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG
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Robots are often spotted in factories and warehouses now, but put one in the middle of Raffles Place and it invites curious stares.

Experts say that Singapore holds its own when it comes to developing robotic technology, especially in industrial settings and in the field of autonomous vehicles.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 13, 2019, with the headline Not enough service staff? Why not 'hire' a robot. Subscribe