Automated & autonomous vehicles

Overview

Today, Singapore’s transport sector already features extensive automation. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) will be the next game changer. Deploying AVs on public roads, at airports and sea ports can help further relieve manpower constraints, create good jobs, and move people and goods more efficiently and safely.

Resorts World Sentosa’s Autonomous Shuttle.

Public transport

AVs will be trialled in Singapore from the fourth quarter of 2025 to add to the public transport network.

We will be introducing AVs to ply short fixed-route services in HDB estates that are further away from the city, so that we can bring people more directly to MRT stations or other amenities within the estate (e.g. market, hawker centre and community centres).

The first AV fixed-route trials will be rolled out in Punggol in end-2025 as Punggol is an estate with a diverse demographic, established travel patterns and road infrastructure. The AVs will be easily identifiable and travel at a safe speed.

These services will be extended to other HDB estates if the trials are successful.

AV buses have been plying routes within Ngee Ann Polytechnic since January 2023 (Photo Credit: Moovita)

In the medium to long term, we will introduce more AV trial services such as self-driving public buses plying routes in the city and key employment nodes like One-North and Buona Vista.

A phased approach allows us to assess the feasibility and reliability of AV technology while ensuring public safety. Having more AVs to augment our public transport network can also create new jobs with better and safer working conditions, as well as higher pay with improved productivity.

Deployment of Autonomous Shuttles at Punggol (Photo Credit: Land Transport Authority of Singapore)

Deployment of Autonomous Shuttles at Punggol (Photo Credit: Channel News Asia)

Maritime

Tuas Port will be the largest fully-automated container terminal when fully operational in the 2040s.

Electrified automated yard cranes and unmanned driverless vehicles, also known as Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), are versatile and manoeuvrable and can be operated remotely. They currently play a significant role in automating yard and wharf operations at Tuas Port, and the number of  AGVs will increase as we continue to scale up Tuas Port. This would enhance our port capabilities and streamline operations to meet the demands of the industry, while freeing up resources and creating more high value jobs for Singaporeans. PSA is also trialling the deployment of autonomous prime movers at Pasir Panjang Terminal.

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) at Tuas Port

Aviation

Changi Airport Terminal 5 will be a mega terminal that strengthens Changi Airport’s position as a leading global air hub. Scheduled for completion in the mid-2030s, Terminal 5 will enable Changi Airport to serve about 50 million more passengers annually.

Artist impression of Terminal 5 apron (Photo Credit: Changi Airport Group)

The development of AVs is critical for Changi Airport to grow and sustain its operations. It will augment the current workforce, and create new jobs for our airport workers who can supervise and control these vehicles remotely from a more comfortable, weather-proof and safe environment. It will also strengthen our operational resilience. 

Autonomous baggage tractor trial by Changi Airport Group and Aurrigo International (Photo Credit: Changi Airport Group)

Trials are ongoing for autonomous baggage tractors at Terminal 2. These autonomous baggage tractors help transport baggage between aircraft stands and Baggage Handling Areas. Besides baggage tractors, trials are also ongoing for autonomous shuttles for the movement of airside workers.

Logistic

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are transforming the logistics sector by addressing manpower challenges and enhancing operational efficiency.

FairPrice Group and Zelos Technology have deployed AV logistics vehicles to strengthen supply chain productivity. In addition, driverless robosweepers are on trial by Chye Thiam Maintenance at Marina Coastal Drive, helping to boost productivity and to address their challenges with the rapidly aging pool of Mechanical Sweepers (MS) drivers.

Deployment of AV vehicle to transport goods (Photo credit: Fairprice Group)

Deployment of robosweeper for road sweeping (Photo credit: WeRide)