Latest news with #AMRs
Business Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Business Times
How tech can close the care gap for an ageing nation with dignity
SINGAPORE is facing a stark demographic reality. By 2030, one in 25 Singaporeans will be aged 80 and above, while the number of people available to care for them is shrinking fast. This is not about longer wait times at the nearby clinic or the higher cost of healthcare. We are, in fact, heading towards a point where there simply are not enough hands for basic human needs: getting dressed, taking medication or having someone help you up after a fall. The uncomfortable question becomes: When traditional care is no longer feasible, what happens to dignity? What happens to the quality of care we want for our own parents? We must rethink how care is delivered, and technology is an ideal way to bridge the gap between our ageing population's needs and our shrinking workforce's capacity. Freeing caregivers to care On the ground, caregivers are burning out fast. They spend precious time on administrative tasks, wheeling meal trays, hunting for clean linen and tracking medication. These tasks eat into hours they could spend providing quality care. Meanwhile, most aged care facilities disallow smartphones, leading caregivers to secretly use WhatsApp and Telegram to coordinate and communicate with colleagues. What if we used technology to return that time to them? Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are already doing the heavy lifting in 16 Singapore nursing homes, managing routine transport tasks and freeing up at least 10 per cent more staff time for direct patient care. This is not about replacing caregivers, but about letting them focus on what they do best – providing the human connection that no robot can replicate. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Instead of disallowing smartphones, aged care facilities should embrace them. With the right tools, a smartphone can become the central hub for everything from instant communication with colleagues to real-time care plan updates and emergency alerts. Sensor networks for emergency alert systems let caregivers instantly call for help during medical emergencies. Add artificial intelligence (AI)-powered cameras that spot falls or wandering incidents, and you have caregivers who can respond to real emergencies instead of constantly checking 'just in case'. This digital-first approach also appeals to incoming Gen Z caregivers who expect modern, tech-enabled work environments. Preserving dignity through patient-centric technology But technology for caregivers is only half the equation. The real test of technology in aged care is whether it serves the people receiving care – and their expectations are changing, too. Tomorrow's seniors are already familiar with technology, and have no intention of handing over control of their lives just because they need some extra support. They want to stay in charge, not be managed. This insight changes our approach to technology in aged care. Instead of being nagged to take medication, a gentle robot can offer a reminder. The difference is between being watched and being supported. This is where it gets a little tricky – AI-powered monitoring should preserve dignity, not compromise it. Nobody wants to feel they are living under surveillance, even if it is 'for their own good'. The systems we build must have ethics and transparency at their core. Seniors should know exactly what is being monitored, and who can see the data. The goal is not a fully automated aged care facility, but giving our seniors the tools to stay independent for as long as possible. That includes everything from smart sensors that prevent falls to user-friendly bedside devices that help them stay connected to family. Ultimately, technology should amplify human dignity, not diminish it. An integrated approach to modern aged care Solving this crisis at scale requires more than individual facility upgrades. It demands coordinated leadership to create an ecosystem of innovation. Singapore's government, for example, is not just debating policy, but putting real money behind such efforts. The Productivity and Digitalisation Uplift Grant has already supported nursing homes by deploying the AMRs mentioned earlier. This commitment is further deepened with the government's S$107 million investment in Active Ageing Centre infrastructure upgrades through 2027. This is certainly not about buying a few robots and calling it done. Modern aged care facilities must be smart ecosystems built around innovative care models from the ground up. In a project with a large social service organisation in Singapore, we deployed AI-powered closed-circuit television networks that actively monitor for falls, violence, loitering and other safety concerns across communal areas. When an incident is detected, the system does not just sound an alarm, but it sends targeted alerts to nearby nurses' smartphones via Wi-Fi. These alerts come with context: the incident type, its exact location and three actionable buttons. One shows the live camera feed from the incident location. Another opens medical records of the patient identified via facial recognition, eliminating precious time spent on identification and medication checks. The third connects directly to relevant personnel like the head nurse or other caregivers for additional support. This is representative of the kind of integrated approach that modern aged care facilities need: networks where your building's CCTV infrastructure 'talks' to workflow automation systems, with high-performance Wi-Fi seamlessly connecting everything from emergency response tools to mobile collaboration platforms. Existing aged care facilities make excellent testing grounds for breakthrough solutions like this. From crisis to global leadership in digital care Developed countries worldwide, like Japan and South Korea, face similar challenges with aged care. With its government support, innovative capacity and demographic urgency, Singapore can solve this puzzle first. Ageing populations in Asia are creating significant investment opportunities. The silver economy market value in Asia is expected to surpass US$4 trillion this year, with a projected 7 per cent compound annual growth rate through 2032. By developing world-class aged care technologies and operational models that can be exported globally, Singapore's aged care providers can transform the nation's demographic challenge into a blueprint for dignified ageing. If they crack this code first, the rest of the world will come calling. The writer is director of vertical partnerships, Asia-Pacific, at Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise
Malaysian Reserve
07-07-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Geekplus wins prestigious IFOY Award for groundbreaking RoboShuttle project with Dr. Max Italia
DORTMUND, Germany, July 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Geekplus, the global leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), has been awarded with a the IFOY (International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year) Award under the category Integrated Customer Solution. The award, presented during the official IFOY Award Night gala in Dortmund on July 3, marks a major milestone in Geekplus history and reinforces our commitment to innovation. Recognized for the groundbreaking RoboShuttle project with Dr. Max Italy, this achievement highlights a significant step forward for robotics innovation in Europe. This recognition highlights Geekplus' all-around excellence—from revolutionary product design and software innovation to flawless execution. The Dr. Max project stands out as a global benchmark, showcasing how automation can transform pharmaceutical logistics at scale. 'At Dr. Max, we are committed to staying at the forefront of innovation to better serve our customers. This award is a testament to what our ambition and technology can achieve together', said Stefano Verna, Supply Chain Director at Dr. Max Italia. 'Five years after our first IFOY award for the first RoboShuttle3, we've done it again—this time for its innovative evolution. This recognition reaffirms our leadership in robotics innovation' said Marie Peterson International Marketing Vice President at Geekplus. The IFOY jury — composed of international logistics and robotics experts — praised Geekplus for pushing the boundaries of what's possible in warehouse automation, reaffirming our position as the world's No. 1 AMR vendor for six consecutive years. In addition to our award-winning project, Geekplus was also proudly nominated in three other categories: the Skycube Pallet-to-Person system, the GPlan smart simulation platform, and the RoboShuttle11 Tote-to-Person solution — showcasing the depth and versatility of our innovation. With major European projects now cited as global references in the industry, Geekplus reaffirms its mission to lead the future of intelligent logistics—one award-winning innovation at a time. About Geekplus Geekplus is a global leader in mobile robotics technologies. We develop innovative robotics solutions for order fulfilment. More than 1,000 global industry leaders use our solutions to realize flexible, reliable, and highly efficient automation for warehouses and supply chain management. Photo – –
Saudi Gazette
03-07-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Alkhorayef Commercial Company partners with XSQUARE Technologies to elevate logistics automation in Saudi Arabia
Alkhorayef Commercial Company (ACC), a leading provider of industrial and commercial solutions in Saudi Arabia, has entered into a strategic partnership with Singapore-based XSQUARE Technologies. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Saudi Warehousing & Logistics Expo 2025 to support the advancement of intelligent automation in warehouse operations across the Kingdom. The collaboration will bring together ACC's strong presence in the Saudi market and its expertise in logistics solutions with XSQUARE's state-of-the-art automation technologies – including Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and intelligent orchestration systems – to deliver tailored, efficient, and future-ready intralogistics solutions. Through this agreement, both companies will jointly explore opportunities to implement automation systems in key logistics zones, with a focus on pilot initiatives and live demonstrations that highlight the practical benefits of AMRs in improving operational efficiency, safety, and scalability. Fahad AlJaddan, CEO of Alkhorayef Commercial Company, remarked: "At ACC, we're always looking to drive innovation that adds value to our customers and the wider logistics sector. Our partnership with XSQUARE is a strategic move that aligns with our ambition to enable smarter, more agile supply chains in Saudi Arabia. Together, we aim to introduce cutting-edge automation that supports Vision 2030 and sets a new benchmark for operational excellence.' ACC will play a key role in facilitating market entry and adaptation for XSQUARE's solutions by leveraging its deep industry relationships and knowledge of local logistics challenges. ACC will also lead customer engagement, support deployment, and provide strategic feedback to ensure a strong market fit. XSQUARE Technologies will contribute with its technological know-how, offering training, integration support, and access to dedicated experts who will assist in localizing the solutions for the Saudi market and executing successful pilots. Jens Bohnwagner, CEO of XSQUARE Technologies, said: "We're thrilled to partner with ACC, a company that shares our vision for transforming logistics through innovation. Their established reputation and insight into the Saudi market make them an ideal collaborator. This partnership gives us the opportunity to demonstrate how adaptable and impactful our solutions can be in one of the region's most dynamic logistics environments.' This agreement marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration focused on modernizing Saudi Arabia's logistics infrastructure through technology, innovation, and shared expertise.
Business Times
18-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Marina Bay Sands deploys autonomous robots for back-of-house deliveries
[SINGAPORE] Marina Bay Sands (MBS) has introduced 12 autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to handle back-of-house deliveries across its hotel and the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, making it the first deployment of such robots in Singapore's hospitality sector. Commonly used in industrial supply chains, the robots are now operating around the clock at the integrated resort (IR). Each robot can carry up to 300 kg and travel at a speed of up to 84 metres per minute. The robots operate on nearly 20 pre-programmed routes and are equipped with laser scanners to detect and navigate their way around obstacles. The shift towards automation followed a 35 per cent increase in delivery volumes between 2019 and 2023, with over 200 manual deliveries made daily across 80 routes. A team member controls the AMRs via an app to assign tasks, monitor movements and troubleshoot issues. PHOTO: MARINA BAY SANDS The AMRs are programmed to enter lifts and disembark at specific floors. PHOTO: MARINA BAY SANDS MBS began rolling out the first batch of four robots in March 2024 for hotel deliveries. Another eight were added in September that year to serve both the hotel and the convention centre, and an additional five are scheduled to launch in the second half of 2025. Since implementation, the robots have reduced labour dependency by up to 30 per cent. Staff from procurement and supply chain teams have been reassigned to inventory management and AMR operations. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Shijith Prathapan, MBS' vice-president of procurement and supply chain, said that effective workforce planning is key to managing a large-scale IR. 'As we continue to invest in Singapore, we will pursue even more innovative tools to elevate workplace processes together with our suppliers, who have been instrumental in enhancing our productivity,' he added. MBS has automated over 200 work processes across its operations, including uniform management and food waste handling. The resort's wardrobe system manages over 200,000 staff uniforms on 18 conveyors operating continuously. In 2024, MBS upgraded its tracking system by replacing high-frequency chips with ultra-high-frequency ones. The change allows for faster stocktaking. By pushing a trolley of uniforms into a device known as the 'U-Door,' staff can now count up to 400 items in just 30 seconds – a task that was previously done manually. MBS also completed a two-year pilot of WasteMaster last year, a system that converts food waste into fish feed for a local aquaponics farm. Waste from the fish is then broken down by bacteria into nitrates, which are used to fertilise vegetables. The produce is sold in selected supermarkets and restaurants. This technology continues to be used in 2025. Meridith Beaujean, the IR's executive director of sustainability said: 'Through various technologies and best practices, we diverted 65 per cent of our food waste in 2024, and hope to achieve 100 per cent by end-2025.'
The Star
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Economic Watch: Xiaomi powers EV growth through smart manufacturing
BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Inside a workshop at Chinese tech giant Xiaomi's electric vehicle (EV) factory, the scene is a stark contrast to what one might expect to see on a factory floor. With few workers in sight, robotic arms move with precision and speed, seamlessly assembling vehicle body components. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) glide across the floor, efficiently transporting materials to their designated stations. Xiaomi entered the EV market in 2021, setting up a state-of-the-art factory spanning some 720,000 square meters in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, also known as Beijing E-Town -- a key innovation hub for China's autonomous driving industry. The market newcomer unveiled its SU7 model in March 2024. Every 76 seconds, a new Xiaomi vehicle rolls off the production line at the factory, with over 700 robots operating around the clock to enable the full automation of key processes such as large-scale die casting. The factory embodies Xiaomi's vision for smart manufacturing, in which intelligent machines take the lead and automation fuels both quality and efficiency. To Lei Jun, founder and chairman of Xiaomi, the importance of sustained investment in innovation is self-evident. "Upholding our unwavering principle of 'technology as the foundation,' Xiaomi has invested over 100 billion yuan (about 13.93 billion U.S. dollars) in R&D over the past five years, making significant strides in many core capabilities. In the next five years, we plan to invest another 200 billion yuan to pursue new heights in global next-generation hard tech," Lei said. "Over the past five years, we have steadfastly pursued our high-end strategy," Lei noted, adding that amid intense competition in the auto market, Xiaomi remains committed to long-term thinking -- strengthening its core competitiveness, meeting diverse consumer demands, and advancing up the value chain in close collaboration with industry partners in an expansive, fast-evolving market. Since March 2024, Xiaomi has delivered over 250,000 vehicles, quickly emerging as a key player in China's rapidly growing new energy vehicle market by leveraging advanced smart manufacturing and a favorable policy environment to fuel its rapid ascent. "Xiaomi owes its growth and success to the fertile ground for innovation that Beijing provides," Lei said. "Supportive 'soft' environments and robust 'hard' policies have nurtured a group of innovative companies like Xiaomi, enabling them to forge ahead on new development tracks." Data shows that Beijing's R&D intensity -- measured as the ratio of total R&D spending to GDP -- has remained above 6 percent for six consecutive years, reflecting the city's strong commitment to innovation. This dedication is also recognized globally: according to a report released earlier this year, Beijing ranks among the world's top 10 innovation cities. The report, published in January, was compiled by the Shenzhen International Science and Technology Information Center, the Center for Industrial Development and Environmental Governance of Tsinghua University, and research publishing and information analytics company Elsevier. "Manufacturing is the foundation of our nation and the cornerstone of a strong country. As both a contributor to and a beneficiary of China's manufacturing development, we aim not only to bring the benefits of technology to consumers, but also to continue advancing on the path of innovation," Lei noted.
