JTC Corporation and Kajima Corporation have initiated Singapore’s first pilot project for autonomous heavy construction equipment at the Jurong Innovation District. This initiative, involving excavators and compactors, is set to address manpower constraints and improve safety by reducing the need for skilled operators by half. The pilot, conducted at the Bulim Autonomous Yard, will test the effectiveness of these machines in real site conditions.
Since 2025, JTC has mandated robotics in construction tenders to boost productivity. The trial involves operators assigning tasks and setting geofencing for each machine, which then operates independently using sensors and artificial intelligence. This approach allows one operator to oversee two machines remotely, intervening only when necessary.
The project utilises technology from Gravis Robotics and Kajima’s A4CSEL, enabling existing machinery to be retrofitted rather than replaced. Calvin Chung, Assistant Chief Executive Officer at JTC, emphasised the unsustainability of increasing manpower to meet future construction demands, noting that successful trials could lead to wider industry adoption.
Safety is a key focus, with autonomous equipment reducing workers’ exposure to hazards. JTC is collaborating with the Ministry of Manpower to develop guidelines ensuring human safety, including geofencing and emergency-stop controls.
Looking ahead, JTC and Kajima plan to expand the trial to include bulldozers and dump lorries by 2027, aiming to create a coordinated fleet. Yoshihiko Riho of Kajima Corporation highlighted the potential of combining Kajima’s technologies with Singapore’s innovation-driven environment to advance construction productivity and safety.
