Singapore has announced a series of initiatives to accelerate robotics adoption and strengthen talent development, reinforcing its position as a global hub for open-source robotics. The announcements were made at ROSCon 2025, the world’s leading developer conference for open-source robotics, hosted in Singapore for the first time by the Open Source Robotics Foundation (OSRF).
The National Robotics Programme (NRP) and its partners revealed plans for new testbeds, collaborations, and national standards to drive interoperability and safety in robotics systems. The initiatives aim to enable robots from different manufacturers to work seamlessly together and to develop a skilled workforce equipped to support future robotics industries.
“Through open collaboration and shared infrastructure, Singapore is helping industry partners deploy robotics faster, safer, and more widely. It is encouraging to see the Robotics Middleware Framework, which originated from Singapore, now proliferating globally as Open-RMF and creating impact across industries,” said Mr Tung Meng Fai, Executive Director of NRP.
Building testbeds for interoperability
The Robotics Middleware Framework (RMF), first initiated by NRP in 2018 with partners such as Changi General Hospital (CGH), the Centre for Healthcare Assistive and Robotics Technology (CHART), Synapxe, HOPE Technik, and Open Source Robotics, has become a global standard for robotics interoperability. Built on the open-source Robot Operating System (ROS), RMF allows robots and systems to communicate and operate together safely and efficiently. It is already in use in major facilities including Changi Airport and CGH.
To support further deployment, NRP, alongside the Public Sector Science and Technology Policy and Plans Office (S&TPPO), the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), and the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), announced the launch of ELEVATE @ BCA Braddell Campus. This national sandbox for RMF provides both physical and virtual environments for testing collaboration among robots, lifts, and building systems in shared facilities.
The first participants include Black Sesame Technologies, Delta Electronics, HOPE Technik, KABAM Robotics, LionsBot, MEGAZO Technologies, Panasonic, and SIMPPLE. The sandbox will serve as a reference site for international collaboration, with ASTAR’s Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC) and OSRF signing a Memorandum of Understanding to co-develop best practices and testing plans for open-source robotics. “By combining ASTAR’s technical expertise with OSRF’s global experience, we aim to further develop the Open-RMF as a universal framework for robot interoperability,” said Dr David Low, Chief Executive Officer, A*STAR ARTC.
Setting national standards for safer robotics
Singapore has also introduced two new national standards for robot interoperability: Singapore Standard (SS) 713 and Technical Reference (TR) 130. SS 713 focuses on data exchange between robots, lifts, and automated doorways, while TR 130 defines how robots interact with central command systems.
Developed under the Manufacturing Standards Committee and co-convened by CHART and HOPE Technik, these standards set clear guidelines for safe and standardised communication between robots and building systems. SS 713, in particular, provides a unified protocol for robot operations in complex facilities and is being considered for elevation to an international ISO standard, which would make it a global benchmark for robotic communication.
Nurturing a future-ready robotics workforce
To address the growing need for skilled talent, A*STAR’s ARTC and SGInnovate launched the ROS Train-and-Place Programme on Deep Tech Central. The initiative builds on an earlier partnership between the ROS-Industrial Consortium Asia Pacific (ROS-I AP) and seven Institutes of Higher Learning to harmonise training and improve robotics competencies.
The new phase focuses on connecting trained individuals directly with industry partners such as AiTreat, Fabrica AI, Griffin Labs, Hivebotics, and Vilota. The programme equips trainees with hands-on experience and access to real-world deployment opportunities while providing industry insights through data collected from Deep Tech Central.
Jae Annie Tay, Director – People at SGInnovate, said, “Our partnership with ROS-Industrial Consortium Asia Pacific on the ROS Train-and-Place Programme exemplifies SGInnovate’s commitment to building a robust robotics talent pipeline. By leveraging Deep Tech Central to connect industry, academia, and talent, we are aligning skills with real-world demand.”
These developments highlight Singapore’s role as a key contributor to the global robotics ecosystem. Through collaboration, shared infrastructure, and a strong talent pipeline, the country continues to drive innovation and strengthen its standing as a leader in robotics adoption and development.
