PUB deploys remote-controlled pumps and smart sensors to combat flooding

The Public Utilities Board (PUB) is testing a new generation of flood-fighting equipment as part of efforts to strengthen the island's resilience against flooding. The trials feature pump vehicles that can be operated remotely, allowing operators to manoeuvre the equipment into affected areas without direct on-site presence.

A key advantage of the remote-controlled vehicles is their ability to navigate challenging terrain, including uneven ground and staircases, areas that conventional flood response equipment may struggle to access. This capability enables PUB personnel to respond more effectively to flooding in densely built environments and areas with complex topography.

The technology trials also incorporate road-embedded sensors designed to detect and monitor water accumulation in real-time. The sensors provide early warning data that supports faster deployment of resources and more coordinated response operations across multiple flood-prone locations.

The deployment of these technologies reflects Singapore's broader strategy to enhance urban flood management through innovation. As climate patterns continue to evolve and urban density increases, such technological solutions are viewed as essential components of the island's long-term water security and disaster preparedness framework.

PUB has not announced specific timelines for broader rollout of the technologies, with current activities focused on gathering performance data and refining operational procedures through the trial phase.