Those exercising at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park in the next few days might catch a glimpse of a new safe distancing "officer".

SPOT the four-legged robot will be helping out with safe distancing operations on the ground.

This is part of a pilot trial between the National Parks Board (NParks) and the Smart Nation and Digital Government Group (SNDGG), which comprises the Smart Nation and Digital Government Office and Government Technology Agency.

Reduces manpower needed for patrols

From May 8, SPOT will be deployed over a 3km stretch in the River Plains section of Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park for two weeks during off-peak hours.

The robot will broadcast a recorded message to remind park visitors to observe safe distancing measures.

SPOT is also outfitted with cameras, with GovTech-developed video analytics, to estimate the number of visitors in the park.

NParks and SNDGG assured in their press release that the cameras will not be able to recognise specific individuals or collect personal data.

The robot, which can controlled remotely, helps reduce the manpower required for park patrols, and simultaneously minimises the physical contact between staff, volunteer safe distancing ambassadors, and park visitors.

Nimble legs and sensors

Here's what SPOT looks like, but the photos were not taken at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park:

Its four legs enable it to navigate different terrains and obstacles well—compared to wheeled robots, making it the ideal robot for operation in public parks and gardens.

It is also equipped with safety sensors so that it can detect objects and people in its path.

Built-in algorithms enable it to detect obstacles within a 1-metre proximity to avoid any sort of collision.

During this pilot trial, SPOT however, will still be accompanied by one NParks officer.

Currently trialling at Changi Exhibition Centre too

If the trial is successful, NParks will consider deploying SPOT at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio park at peak hours in the morning and evening.

Plans to deploy SPOT to other parks like Jurong Lake Gardens are also in the works.

Currently, not only is SPOT roving around at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, it is also being trialled at Changi Exhibition Centre.

The centre is designated as a community isolation facility, where around 2,700 Covid-19 patients are housed.

At the facility, SPOT is used to deliver essential items like medicine to patients.

SNDGG will explore the use of SPOT to support other Covid-19-related operations.

Top photo courtesy of GovTech