Humanoid robots at MRT stations in 10-15 years: Panellists at ST roundtable on future of transport

SINGAPORE – In the future, commuters may enter an MRT station to find a humanoid robot helping with directions or patrolling the platforms.

Such a scenario is not a stretch, given rapid advances in technology, said Mr Yee Boon Cheow, deputy chief executive of infrastructure and development at the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

“In 10 to 15 years’ time, we may start to see a humanoid helping out in the stations,” he said at an In Perspective roundtable with The Straits Times on April 21.

He was responding to a question from moderator Shefali Rekhi, ST’s Asia News Network editor, on how public transport could evolve over the next decade or so. The topic of the roundtable was how smart technologies will shape the future of travel in Singapore.

Humanoid robots can take on routine tasks such as station patrols or answering simple commuter queries, freeing station staff to focus on higher-value work and customer service, he said. And in depots, humanoids could also help with physically demanding tasks like heavy lifting.

But Mr Yee stressed that artificial intelligence (AI) should be used wisely.

“We don’t need AI for everything. We need to use AI in the correct manner,” he said, adding that engineers must still have the domain knowledge required to interpret data accurately and act on it appropriately.

Others at the roundtable echoed the view that AI should support, rather than replace, human workers.

Mr Ang Hang Guan, group chief engineering officer at SMRT, said AI is already being considered to enhance safety and security monitoring in stations, especially during peak hours, when crowds are large and harder to oversee.

He added: “We do not believe that AI can take over and run everything.” While AI-enabled systems help engineers by providing greater situational awareness and decision support, “it is the human at the end that makes the decision”, he said.

Associate Professor Raymond Ong from the National University of Singapore’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering said the focus should be on enabling workers to do more with automation, not replacing them or their skills.

There may still be situations where systems fail, he noted, so engineers and technicians must retain the ability to carry out repairs manually.

“A fail-safe design is one that is where humans are still working on the systems, but robots are enhancing the operations,” he said. “The human element will never go away.”

In response to a question from Ms Rekhi on whether AI can be trusted, given its ability to predict faults and minimise disruptions, Dr Samuel Chng, a research assistant professor at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), said commuters place their trust in the person or organisation using the AI, rather than the technology itself. It is this professional judgment and expertise that commuters trust, he said.

“At the end of the day, the AI probably doesn’t make the final decision,” he said.

Looking ahead, Prof Ong said transport systems could become more integrated, combining physical infrastructure with digital tools, robotics and data.

“We see robots, AI, data flow, apps interacting with our physical assets... in a very integrated, seamless manner,” he said.

This could also reshape how commuters experience their journeys. Dr Chng, who heads the Urban Psychology Lab at SUTD’s Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities, suggested that apps could offer more personalised travel options, such as encouraging users to walk more.

For instance, a commuter might choose a route that adds 5,000 steps to their day, even if it takes 15 minutes longer.

“It moves your whole journey from just being very transport-centric to thinking about it as an experience,” he said.

Technology could also play a bigger role in managing disruptions, one of the key challenges facing public transport.

Mr Yee said LTA is working with Google to provide real-time updates through apps, so commuters can quickly see which areas are affected and replan their journeys.

SMRT also has its lifestyle app, Wink+, that goes beyond route planning, said Mr Ang. Additional features include information on station exits, nearby amenities and even the latest news and deals, he said.

“Ultimately, the commuters are most important,” said Mr Ang. He said a lifestyle app could help commuters, so that when they get off at the station, they know what amenities and shops are available there.

Even as technology advances, fostering inclusivity remains a central priority.

Dr Chng said systems must cater to all segments of society, including those who may not use smartphones.

“Even if we choose not to bring a phone, you should be able to get around,” he said.

He added that while infrastructure has improved to support different needs, there is room to strengthen “peopleware” – or how commuters interact with one another.

Simple acts, such as making space for others or allowing families with young children to board first, can make the system more inclusive and pleasant for everyone, he said.