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- JTC and Kajima have launched a pilot for autonomous heavy construction equipment at Jurong Innovation District.
- The project aims to reduce the number of skilled operators needed by 50%, while testing measures designed to keep workers away from machinery-related hazards.
- Separately, Schneider Electric is investing S$25mn to expand automation and digital capabilities at its Tuas distribution centre, with the upgrade due to be completed by 2027.
JTC Corporation (JTC) and Kajima Corporation have launched what they describe as Singapore’s first pilot project exploring the use of autonomous heavy construction equipment.
The trial is taking place at the Bulim Autonomous Yard (BAY) in Jurong Innovation District, JTC’s sandbox for testing autonomous construction machinery in real site conditions. It will initially focus on excavators and compactors, with autonomous bulldozers and dump trucks being considered for the next phase from 2027.
Under the trial, an operator assigns tasks and sets virtual operating boundaries, known as geofences, for each machine. The equipment then uses sensors and artificial intelligence to carry out the work independently. Staff will monitor operations remotely and intervene when needed.
JTC is targeting a 50% reduction in the number of skilled operators required, with one operator overseeing two machines. The pilot will also examine how autonomous machinery can reduce workers’ exposure to risks from operating, or working near, heavy moving equipment.
On talent, Calvin Chung, Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Engineering & Operations Group, JTC noted: "Adding more manpower is not a sustainable way to meet Singapore’s future construction needs.
"JTC has a pipeline of at least 800 hectares of earthworks projects over the next five years. If the pilot succeeds, we will deploy autonomous heavy construction equipment across suitable projects in our pipeline and support wider industry adoption."
Safety measures include geofencing, LiDAR sensors to identify people and obstacles, and emergency-stop controls available both onsite and in the control room. JTC is working with the Ministry of Manpower to develop operating guidelines and safeguards that could support wider industry deployment.
The excavator is fitted with an autonomous retrofit kit from Zurich-based Gravis Robotics, while the compactor uses Kajima’s A4CSEL system, which is being deployed outside Japan for the first time. The retrofit approach allows contractors to add autonomous capabilities to existing equipment, rather than replacing their fleets.
Kajima is working with local contractor Kok Tong Construction and equipment provider Tractors Singapore Limited to retrofit conventional equipment, train Singapore-based operators and engineers, and document lessons from the pilot.
In a separate development, Schneider Electric has announced a S$25mn investment to upgrade automation and digital capabilities at its Hub Asia Distribution Centre in Tuas.
The 21,000-square-metre facility supports the company’s global operations, including exports to Europe, North America and China. Schneider Electric expects to complete the expansion of its smart distribution-centre capabilities by 2027.
The upgrade is centred on a goods-to-person automation system, which brings inventory directly to picking stations instead of requiring workers to retrieve products from across the warehouse. The first phase is already operational and has raised productivity by about 10% against its baseline, according to the company.
A second phase will introduce adaptable racking systems and further automation. Once fully deployed, the system is expected to handle about 40% of outbound goods and improve productivity by up to 20% against baseline.
The facility will also receive an upgraded warehouse management system, real-time operational dashboards, digital-twin technology and machine-learning tools to support inventory forecasting and help anticipate potential disruptions.
Of the S$25mn investment, S$19mn has been allocated to hiring and reskilling through to 2030. Schneider Electric said it will develop a 26-person skilled team to operate and manage the new automated systems, while existing employees will receive training in areas such as advanced systems monitoring, data analysis and warehouse planning.
According to Manish Pant, Executive Vice President, International Operations, Schneider Electric, Singapore provides the infrastructure and skills base to build this kind of operation in a way few other locations can.
"This is capability that strengthens how we operate globally and supports Singapore’s standing in advanced logistics," he added.
Speaking on the investment, Jermaine Loy, Managing Director, EDB, said: "Schneider Electric’s investment in Hub Asia demonstrates how companies can leverage Singapore’s strengths to deploy advanced automation, build new capabilities, and develop skilled talent for the future.
"We look forward to deepening our partnership with Schneider Electric as it grows its operations here and serves global markets from Singapore."
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Images / EDB
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