Singapore Home Team eyes 2028 rollout of humanoid robots for police, prisons

Singapore's Home Team has established a dedicated Humanoid Robotics Centre at One-North to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced robots for law enforcement and correctional services. The facility represents a significant investment in emerging technologies designed to enhance public safety capabilities across multiple agencies.

The centre is being positioned as a research and development hub where engineers and specialists will work on humanoid robots tailored for high-risk operations. Initial applications under development include blast investigation and prison cell searches—tasks that pose significant safety risks to personnel. By automating these dangerous procedures, the Home Team aims to protect officers while improving operational efficiency.

Official timelines suggest the technology could be operationally deployed by 2028, marking a major milestone for Singapore's adoption of robotics in law enforcement. The development aligns with broader regional trends toward modernising public safety infrastructure through automation and artificial intelligence. The centre's establishment underscores Singapore's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance security operations.

The initiative comes as regional governments increasingly explore robotics applications across policing, border security, and emergency response. Singapore's dedicated centre is expected to position the city-state as a potential hub for humanoid robotics research and development in the Asia-Pacific region.