Would you entrust your 95-year-old mother, who is frail and has limited mobility, to a humanoid robot, allowing it to assist her in walking, getting in and out of bed, and even helping with toileting?
Such a scenario is not hard to imagine in the future. At this stage, having humanoid robots completely replace human assistance is not only a technical challenge but also raises a thought-provoking question: Can humans trust robots?
Lin Jin Hua, co-founder and CEO of the Singapore robotics company dConstruct, illustrates this with the above example, stating that due to a lack of safety and legal protections, humanoid robots still have a long way to go before widespread application.
He said, &#34;Would you dare to leave a person in the care of a robot? What if a malfunction occurs? How would it be handled? If an accident happens, who is responsible?&#34;
Some may counter that people have already accepted self-driving cars, so why can't they accept autonomous humanoid robots?
Lin Jin Hua believes there is still a significant difference between humanoid robots and self-driving cars. &#34;Self-driving cars operate in a strictly regulated environment, with clear and universally applicable rules. Home service robots, on the other hand, face unstructured environments where chairs and buckets are randomly placed, the floor may have water stains, and potential scenarios are difficult to control, significantly increasing complexity.&#34;
He pointed out that there is currently a lack of legislative regulations for the safe use of humanoid robots, which has become a key factor restricting industry development. Insurance companies are unwilling to provide coverage, and even if they do, once issues arise, the law lacks clear basis, making it difficult for operators to defend their positions.
However, because humanoid robots are still in the early stages of development, this also presents a huge opportunity for Singapore.
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Illustration by Li Taili
<h3>AI Combined with Wheeled Robots Takes the Lead</h3>
Lin Jin Hua believes that if our country can create a &#34;sandbox&#34; environment to conduct accelerated testing, allowing companies to experiment with products while researching policies, regulations, and setting standards, Singapore is likely to secure a place in this emerging field.
The field of humanoid robots belongs to the broader industry of Embodied Artificial Intelligence. Simply put, it combines the &#34;brain&#34; of artificial intelligence (AI) with the &#34;body&#34; of robots, enabling AI to exchange information with the environment, understand problems, and make decisions through physical interaction.
In recent years, wheeled robots have emerged in the market for applications such as patrolling, cleaning, and logistics management.
Building on this foundation, humanoid robots can perform more complex tasks such as grasping, touching, and interacting with the environment through dexterous operation of their arms.
<h3>Security Sector Uses &#34;Humans&#34; for Patrolling and Monitoring</h3>
Recently, both enterprises and government agencies have been eager to experiment with humanoid robots.
For example, the security service company Certis has recently launched a next-generation robot program to develop concierge, patrolling, and monitoring skills for humanoid and quadruped robots
Cezan's new headquarters located at Paya Lebar Green features humanoid robots that provide real-time demonstrations, allowing the public to intuitively understand how AI, robots, and operators collaborate.
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Cezan has launched a next-generation robotics program, trialing humanoid robots to act as concierges to welcome the public. (Provided by Cezan)
Cezan's Chief Embodied Intelligence Officer, Zheng Runxing, stated, &#34;Humanoid robots can alleviate labor shortages in tasks that require on-site participation, communication, and simple interactions. However, to achieve viable solutions, they must be integrated with broader systems such as command center coordination, visual analysis, workflow automation, and AI allocation systems.&#34;
He added that security personnel currently perform many repetitive and lower-skilled tasks, such as patrolling, simple interactions, and reporting, as well as serving as a deterrent. These tasks could actually be handled by humanoid robots, allowing security personnel to focus on tasks that require judgment.
<h3>EDB: Optimistic about the Potential of Embodied AI</h3>
In May of this year, the Home Team Science and Technology (HTX) announced an investment of SGD 100 million to establish the world's first humanoid robot development center focused on public safety.
The new center, named the Home Team Humanoid Robotics Centre (H2RC), is set to open next year and plans to deploy humanoid robots for search and rescue operations in fire and hazardous material leak scenarios starting in mid-2027, assisting Home Team personnel in their tasks to reduce safety risks.
Chen Zhihao, Deputy Director of the Automation and Unmanned Systems Research Center at HTX, noted in an interview that humanoid robots are expected to become the next growth driver for the country's robotics industry, but they should be viewed as part of a broader ecosystem rather than standalone solutions.
Chen Zhihao said, &#34;The human-like form of these robots allows them to work in environments occupied by humans without the need for large-scale infrastructure modifications. This brings new opportunities in logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, and public safety. The success of this field depends on the synchronized development of embodied AI, dexterous mechanical operations, reliable mobility, and safety regulations.&#34;
Regarding the development in this field, a spokesperson for the Singapore Economic Development Board stated, &#34;Singapore is optimistic about the transformative potential of embodied AI, as these intelligent robots can perceive their environment, learn from it, and interact.&#34;
He pointed out that embodied AI can be applied in complex and unstructured environments, such as advanced manufacturing, maritime, and aviation sectors.
Since 2016, the National Robotics Programme has supported innovation through various phases to establish the capability for developing advanced robots and embodied AI in the country. Last year, the government allocated an additional SGD 60 million to the National Robotics Programme to enhance the conversion of research and development results, particularly in manufacturing, logistics, facilities management, and healthcare
<h3>Related Enterprises Increase by 50% as China's Robotics Industry Enters Mature Application Phase</h3>
Currently, Singapore has over 300 robotics-related enterprises, a 50% increase from more than 200 in 2023. These include global and Singaporean companies providing robotic products and automation solutions.
Deloitte points out that Singapore's robotics industry is in a strong growth phase, with a market size estimated at around USD 400 million (approximately SGD 520 million) by 2025, where service robots dominate with a market share of about 50%, widely applied in logistics and healthcare sectors.
By 2030, the market size in Singapore is expected to grow to USD 1 billion, indicating significant expansion potential in the robotics field.
Mohan, an associate professor in the Department of Engineering Product Development at Singapore University of Technology and Design, believes that Singapore's robotics industry is no longer in the experimental stage and is currently entering the &#34;mature application&#34; phase.
In the manufacturing sector, Singapore ranks second globally in robot density. According to the International Federation of Robotics, in 2023, there were 770 robots for every 10,000 employees locally, second only to South Korea.
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However, Singapore has yet to see the emergence of companies capable of developing &#34;Optimus&#34;-level humanoid robots. &#34;Optimus&#34; is a humanoid robot developed by electric vehicle giant Tesla, which is said to be capable of performing tasks as factory workers, caregivers, and even surgeons.
<h3>Experts: Our Advantage Lies in System Integration</h3>
Mohan believes that Singapore still nurtures several leading companies in various niche sectors, such as LionsBot, which focuses on cleaning robot production. Meanwhile, Singapore's advantage lies in its system integration capabilities, effectively merging hardware, AI, collaboration platforms, data, and operations for deployment in real-world scenarios.
LionsBot's CEO and co-founder, Huang Tengche, stated that Singapore is an advanced adopter of robotic technology, establishing a thriving ecosystem composed of system integrators, suppliers, and solution partners, making the adoption process of robots smoother and more reliable.
Multinational robotics manufacturers are also actively collaborating with local SMEs. For example, Japanese robotics manufacturer OMRON closely works with SMEs through collaborative robot projects, proof of concepts, and training programs.
OMRON's Asia Pacific spokesperson, Elang Kumaran Suppiah, stated that such collaborations not only accelerate technology application but also ensure that the company's solutions can be flexibly applied across various industries, covering logistics, catering, and even electronics manufacturing
<h3>Integrating into a Broader System is Essential for True Transformation</h3>
The industry generally believes that humanoid robots have not yet reached a critical point; to realize their true transformative potential, they must be integrated into a broader system.
Zheng Runxing from Cean believes that humanoid robots, especially bipedal robots, will still require three to five years to achieve large-scale commercial application. The key factors are stability, safety, and cost-effectiveness. In contrast, wheeled humanoid robots, due to their lower mobility challenges, are expected to achieve mature applications sooner.
Huang Tengche from LionsBot also believes that robots in Singapore are not yet fully mature, with many still relying on imported global brands rather than being locally manufactured.
Zeng Youjun, deputy director of the National Robotics Program, stated that solving the interoperability issue among robots is a significant challenge. &#34;As robots become more widespread and scalable, they must not only communicate with each other but also interface with infrastructure. For example, if cleaning robots need to clean multiple floors, they must communicate with elevators and coordinate paths with other robots to achieve greater efficiency.&#34;
<h3>Technical Environment and Talent are Challenges</h3>
In this regard, Singapore has developed the world's first Robotics Middleware Framework, allowing the industry to use an open-source system for different manufacturers' robots and systems to communicate and collaborate.
To support safe and scalable applications, the Singapore Standards Council has also established an industry standard specifically for the local robotics sector, numbered &#34;SS713,&#34; to ensure that robots and various systems enhance interoperability, making overall operations more efficient.
Zeng Youjun stated that these standards are locally developed to promote the application of robotic technology, with hopes that this set of standards will gain certification from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for global adoption.
Chris de Lavigne, Deloitte's Southeast Asia Industrial Products and Construction Industry Leader, believes that the challenges faced by humanoid robots include the high complexity of technology, as replicating human balance, fine motor skills, and environmental adaptability is not easy.
High costs associated with design, development, and maintenance also limit the large-scale promotion of humanoid robots. Additionally, companies must address issues related to safety, privacy protection, job displacement, and the norms of human-robot interaction.
Chen Zhihao from the Ministry of Home Affairs Technology Bureau believes that there is fierce global competition for talent skilled in robotics and AI technology. To address this challenge, the Automation and Unmanned Systems Research Center collaborates with leading international companies to provide team engineers with opportunities to learn from top experts.
<h3>Last Year, Two-Thirds of Humanoid Robots Were Chinese Models</h3>
In recent years, companies from countries such as the United States, China, Canada, and Japan have been actively developing humanoid robots.
According to a report released by Morgan Stanley in February this year, China applied for a total of 5,688 humanoid robot patents over the past five years, far exceeding the 1,483 patents from the United States and 1,195 from Japan. Last year, Chinese companies launched 35 humanoid robots, accounting for two-thirds of the global total, while companies from the United States and Canada launched eight models
In China, the humanoid robots that have attracted significant attention include the G1 from Yushu Technology, the IRON from XPeng, the T800 from Zhongqing Robotics, and the Walker S2 from UBTECH ROBOTICS. Among them, Yushu Technology is headquartered in Hangzhou and is known for developing humanoid and quadruped robots.
In the United States, in addition to Tesla's Optimus Gen 2, Boston Dynamics' Atlas, and Agility Robotics' Digit are also highly regarded. Overall, humanoid robots are gradually expanding from industrial applications to household and commercial service sectors.
In terms of pricing, industry insiders estimate that the most basic robot starts at around $25,000 (approximately SGD 32,400); industrial robots with more automation features can cost up to $500,000 or more; and more advanced AI humanoid robots are priced over $200,000.
In July of this year, Yushu Technology launched the world's first humanoid robots priced below $6,000, significantly lowering the entry price.
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<h3>The Surge of Robot Company IPOs May Pose Potential Bubble Risks</h3>
The sector has also garnered widespread attention from the capital markets. According to reports, Yushu Technology is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) on the Shanghai Stock Exchange's STAR Market, with a valuation of up to 50 billion yuan (approximately SGD 9.2 billion). If successful, it will be one of the largest IPOs globally this year.
According to Deloitte, the demand for AI and automation is surging, driving nearly 30 robot companies to go public globally this year.
Regarding the IPO frenzy among robot companies, Raven holds a cautious attitude. He stated that the revenue growth of these robot companies has not kept pace with the increase in valuations, posing potential bubble risks.
Singaporean robot manufacturer OTSAW is preparing to list on the NASDAQ in the United States. The company plans to raise $20 million, increasing its market capitalization to approximately $24.6 million.
During the pandemic, OTSAW's robots gained attention for their applications in hospitals. Due to the loss of healthcare personnel, hospitals began to rely on robots to deliver food, linens, and other items, alleviating the burdensome tasks of healthcare workers.
Founder Lin Zhenming mentioned in an interview that the company's market share in local government hospitals currently stands at 90%, and the next step will be to actively enter the Japanese market.
<h3>Our Country's Robot Enterprises Have Achieved Profitability</h3>
Lin Zhenming revealed that the company needs to continue investing funds to expand into overseas markets, and the overall business has not yet achieved profitability. However, if only considering the Singapore market, the company has already become profitable.
He is optimistic about the potential of the medical robot market. There are approximately 200,000 hospitals globally, and the company currently covers only 50 of them, indicating significant growth potential.
He stated, &#34;In the next 10 years, robots will be more widely used in the service industry.&#34; This is because most industrial sectors have simplified processes and achieved automation, but the service industry still faces severe labor shortages and insufficient automation
Whether it's hotels, restaurants, airports, or hospitals, processes must be optimized to achieve sustainable operations and transformation. Shifting the workforce towards digitalization will become the core of the third wave of AI

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Singapore's robotics industry is moving towards a mature application phase, with significant potential for the development of embodied intelligence technology. The application of humanoid robots in daily life faces challenges related to technology, safety, and legal issues. The lack of legislative regulations and insurance support is a key barrier to the industry's development. Singapore can accelerate testing through a "sandbox" environment, establish policy standards, and seize opportunities in the field of embodied artificial intelligence

Observing the Trend: Robots Are Getting Closer to Life, Local Robotics Industry Sees Opportunities | Lianhe Zaobao