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Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
French multinational Thales to launch AI centre in Singapore
Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo speaks at the France-Singapore Frontier Technologies Forum 2025 on May 30. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM SINGAPORE – French aerospace and defence giant Thales will set up a new artificial intelligence (AI) centre in Singapore to develop AI solutions for critical environments and strengthen its research and development capabilities. Solutions that are developed at the cortAIx (pronounced 'cortex') centre will benefit the company's global network, said Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo at the France-Singapore Frontier Technologies Forum, held at the Fullerton Hotel on May 30. The Singapore centre will be Thales' fourth cortAIx site, after France, Canada and Britain, said Thales cortAIx factory vice-president Mickael Brossard. Launched in 2024, cortAIx is an initiative by the French firm to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence for aircraft, armed forces and critical infrastructure, bringing together experts in the sector. Thales, which has operated in Singapore since 1973 and currently conducts manufacturing and maintenance here, among other activities , also signed a deal with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore on May 30 to set up an International Avionics Lab here in 2026, to develop and test new solutions for air traffic management and airport operations. These agreements were among several between French and local organisations that were unveiled at the forum. Mrs Teo announced that France's National Centre for Scientific Research, through its centre at the National University of Singapore's Create facility, will participate in Singapore's National Robotics Programme to strengthen research in embodied AI. Embodied AI is the integration of artificial intelligence with physical systems. The collaboration will be supported with funding of $20 million, Mrs Teo said. (From left) Mistral AI VP Revenue Geoff Soon, cortAIx Factory VP Mickael Brossard, CNRS CEO and President Antoine Petit, HTC Assistant Chief Executive, Chief AI Officer Ang Chee Wee, ST Engineering Group CTO Lee Shiang Long and AI Singapore AI Innovation director Laurence Liew during a panel discussion at the France-Singapore Frontier Technologies Forum 2025 on May 30. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM Meanwhile, French start-up Mistral AI will partner with ST Engineering on applied AI engineering, she added. This comes on top of a tie-up between Mistral AI, the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) and Microsoft to enhance Home Team operations, announced on May 26. In January, the start-up said it had plans to set up a Singapore office. Mrs Teo also announced that aerospace giant Airbus will work with Singapore's Economic Development Board and the Infocomm Media Development Authority to jointly develop potential applications for a 5G-non-terrestrial network, in which satellites and other high-altitude platforms are used to extend 5G coverage and functionality. 'They aim to reduce time lag and quicken responsiveness of AI systems, so they can be deployed in more scenarios,' she said. French energy company Engie will also partner with transport operator SBS Transit on reducing the carbon footprint of public transport, Mrs Teo said. Singapore and France are both strong proponents of multilateralism, she said. 'Our world is becoming more fractious and unpredictable. Yet, Singapore and France have continued to support an open and inclusive trading system,' she said. 'While tariff-induced uncertainties persist, French businesses operating in Singapore can continue to benefit from the Asean Free Trade Area, which makes it more cost-effective for French businesses in Singapore to export and source goods from this region,' said Mrs Teo. Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo, National Robotics Programme Executive Director (Designate) Tung Meng Fai, CNRS CEO and President Antoine Petit, and French Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs Clara Chappaz at the bilateral agreement presentation on May 30. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM Ms Clara Chappaz, France's Minister Delegate for artificial intelligence and digital technologies, said the two countries had a common mission not only to see technology develop, but to see it used for the common good. Speaking at the event, Minister-in-charge of Energy, and Science and Technology Tan See Leng noted that ties between the two countries were 'underpinned by strong economic cooperation that has grown steadily over the years'. Manpower Minister and Minister in charge of Energy and Science and Technology Tan See Leng speaking at the France-Singapore Frontier Technologies Forum 2025 on May 30. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM France is currently the Republic's second-largest goods trading partner and third-largest investor among EU member states, Dr Tan said, adding that more than 2,600 French firms operate here. 'Since the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (EUSFTA) entered into force in 2019, bilateral goods trade has grown by around 10 per cent to exceed $21 billion in 2024. Bilateral services trade also expanded by around 20 per cent to surpass $8 billion in 2023,' he said. The announcements were made in conjunction with a state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to Singapore. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong had earlier announced the two countries would upgrade their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which would deepen cooperation in existing sectors as well expand collaboration in new areas such as decarbonisation. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Malay Mail
12-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
From guides to guards: Robot dogs find new roles across Singapore's public and private sectors
SINGAPORE, May 12 — From guarding bus depots to guiding the visually impaired, robot dogs are increasingly taking on diverse roles in Singapore, marking a new phase in the city-state's growing adoption of robotics. The quadruped robots, known for their dog-like agility, have become a fixture in several industries here — patrolling construction sites, navigating hazardous zones, and even assisting with social services, according to a report published today in The Straits Times. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Boston Dynamics' robot dog Spot was deployed at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park to enforce safe distancing. Since then, its successors have expanded their scope, with one recently seen accompanying Progress Singapore Party candidate Tony Tan on an election walkabout. According to Chan U-Gene, deputy director at the National Robotics Programme (NRP), Singapore has seen rising interest in robot dogs, particularly for surveillance and inspection tasks. The NRP now tracks more than 300 robotics-related firms — up from 200 in 2023 — reflecting a sector in rapid expansion. While the NRP does not track exact deployment numbers, Chan noted that legged robots offer distinct advantages over wheeled types due to their ability to navigate uneven terrain, stairs, and narrow spaces. Lower costs have also driven adoption. New models from Chinese manufacturers now cost as little as US$2,700 (RM11,600), a fraction of Boston Dynamics' original US$75,000 price tag. At the National University of Singapore (NUS), researchers are trialling robot dogs as assistive guide dogs for the visually impaired. Robotics PhD student Cai Shaojun said the machines are cheaper and easier to train than real guide dogs and can respond to complex commands using artificial intelligence. Cai's team has tested the robots with visually impaired users and is developing them to navigate stairs and complex environments. A pilot is planned for 2025 at public locations like parks and transport hubs. NUS AI Lab is also building software that enables robots to read social cues and move smoothly through crowded spaces, said associate director Harold Soh. Robot dogs are also being deployed as guard dogs. Since September 2024, SBS Transit has used a robot named Mars, developed with Weston Robot, to patrol Seletar Bus Depot. Fitted with high-definition cameras, thermal sensors and live-feed capabilities, Mars monitors for intrusions and tampering, especially in areas difficult for human guards to access. Spot's earlier deployments included monitoring crowd levels and broadcasting safety messages at parks, and delivering medicine at the Changi Exhibition Centre during the pandemic. Other robot dogs now support inspection roles. SP Group uses a robot named SPock to assist in checking up to 6km of underground tunnels, detecting issues like cracks or moisture that are invisible to the naked eye. At Sengkang MRT Depot, SBS Transit introduced Avatar (Advanced Video Analytics Train Assessment Robot) in July 2024 to inspect train undercarriages for issues such as air leaks or loose tank caps, helping technicians reduce physical strain. The robot's agility allows it to climb stairs and navigate tight spaces. SBS Transit is considering expanding its use to detect broken lights and damaged handles. NUS researchers are also exploring robot dog use in public housing, with robots scanning staircases for uniformity in step height and depth. The project is expected to be commercialised as a start-up soon, said project lead Justin Yeoh.
