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The Infocomm and Media Development Authority (IMDA) is partnering with Hyundai to deploy 100 mobile robots across the factory floor at the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre in Singapore (HMGICS), Senior Minister for Communications and Information Janil Puthucheary said on Tuesday (Feb. 28) during his Committee of Supply speech.
These robots will power a new manufacturing process that will enable the development of 'built-to-order' (BTO) vehicles, Janil explained.
He was responding to questions posted by Member of Parliament (MP) Tin Pei Ling on the status of 5G network deployment in Singapore.
95 per cent outdoor 5G coverage reached
"The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has recently measured to confirm that we have reached 95 per cent nationwide outdoor coverage on Singapore’s first two 5G standalone networks", he said.
"With the rollout progressing well ahead of schedule, our focus is currently on supporting the industry to tap on 5G’s capabilities to enhance their operations and service offerings", he added.
Two use cases were highlighted by Janil.
Both use cases are newly awarded projects under the IMDA 5G Innovation Programme, a S$30 million fund announced in 2021 aimed at accelerating the adoption and commercialisation of enterprise 5G solutions.
5G-enabled EV factory
The first example is the use of 5G-enabled robots at HMGICS.
The 100 mobile robots to be deployed across the factory floor will be used to help transport material required for vehicle manufacturing, Janil said.
The use of 5G network permits seamless real-time data transmission between the backend automated control system and the robots.
This new concept of manufacturing will reduce labour-intensive activity for workers, minimises safety risks, and allow them to take on higher value roles, Janil explained in his speech.
For consumers, this new manufacturing process will allow for hyper-customisation of BTO vehicles to cater to different needs and preferences.
According to an IMDA and MCI press release, this will also allow Hyundai to develop Singapore's own BTO electric vehicles.
The joint press release mentioned that this is the world's first 5G-enabled BTO electric vehicle factory.
More details on the factory and its concept will be shared during the launch of the HMGICS later this year, IMDA and MCI said.
Unmanned vessel for river cleaning
Apart from 5G deployment on the factory floor, the new telecommunications technology will also be deployed along Singapore's waterways, Janil said.
Image via Weston.
Much like the vehicle manufacturing example, Janil pointed out that this project will help reduce manual labour required by allowing operators to pilot multiple vessels from a command centre.
5G technology will also enable video analytics and high data throughput necessary for the autonomous vessels to detect and clean rubbish outside its pre-programmed path.
With these features, the vessels will also be able to respond to emergency situations like oncoming boats.
Currently, river cleaning services are done by gasoline-fuelled boats, IMDA and MCI said.
These boats produce as much as 20 tonnes of carbon emissions per year, and have a high annual maintenance cost that ranges from S$6,000 to S$12,000 per annum, according to MCI and IMDA.
The project will commence in 2023.
Top image via LTA, Weston.