{
  "id": 7981240,
  "title": "Construction robots on trial in Singapore could be deployed as early as 2028",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/construction-robots-on-trial-in-singapore-could-be-deployed-as-early",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-17T08:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times",
    "slug": "straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/construction-robots-on-trial-could-be-deployed-as-early-as-2028"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Singapore's construction industry is testing autonomous heavy equipment at a new sandbox facility in Jurong Innovation District. The trial, led by JTC Corporation and Kajima, involves using driverless excavators and compactors to perform tasks while operators monitor the machines remotely. The project aims to tackle manpower shortages and improve workplace safety, with the goal of deploying autonomous equipment on JTC's pipeline of earthworks projects by 2028. Two operators from a local contractor received training in Japan to operate and supervise the robots. If successful, the trial could lead to a 20-30% increase in construction speed and reduce workers' exposure to safety hazards. JTC is also collaborating with the Manpower Ministry to develop guidelines for using these machines safely.",
  "summary": "Traditional machines are retrofitted with new technology to carry out assigned tasks independently.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}