ST Engineering launches SGD $250 million AI programme for robotics
ST Engineering has announced a five-year AI research initiative focused on advancing robotics and human-machine collaboration.
The company unveiled the AI Research Translation programme for Physical AI at its annual InnoTech Conference 2025. The programme, with a budget of SGD $250 million, is to be led by ST Engineering in partnership with academic and research institutions. Its primary aim is to develop robotics, swarm, and humanoid technologies designed to tackle operational challenges, particularly through improving how humans work alongside machines.
During the event, ST Engineering also introduced its Manned-Unmanned Teaming Operating System (MUMTOS), which functions as a minimum viable product to demonstrate capabilities in coordinated human-machine operations. MUMTOS is designed to serve as the central system for collaboration between humans and various autonomous units such as robots, drones, and vehicles.
Physical AI focus
The AI Research Translation programme will roll out in phases, concentrating initially on enhancing teamwork between human operators and unmanned systems. The initiative is intended to address the complexities of real-world operational environments by translating research discoveries into deployable technological solutions.
MUMTOS is a central feature of the programme, providing the operational interface and logic that enables integrated decision-making and coordination across heterogeneous teams of human personnel and autonomous platforms. According to ST Engineering, the system allows for real-time operational analytics, including factors such as life-risk assessments during humanitarian missions, prioritisation of rescue efforts, and streamlined support for first responders.
For example, the technology can analyse oxygen levels, structural stability, and the number of people detected at a given location to better inform rescue choices. MUMTOS can facilitate hospital notifications and ambulance dispatches as part of an end-to-end emergency response, aiming for accelerated patient handovers and continued situational awareness throughout an incident.
Industry perspective
"For many years, ST Engineering has applied AI across multiple domains, gaining first-hand experience of its potential and understanding its real-world challenges," said Lee Shiang Long, Group Chief Technology & Digital Officer, ST Engineering. "Building on this foundation, our focus supported by increased investment, positions us to lead the AI Research Translation programme and turn advanced AI and robotics into impactful solutions across industries."
The new programme reflects ST Engineering's intention to cement its work in AI by moving beyond fundamental research to practical deployments across both public and commercial sectors. Representatives indicated that bridging the gap between research and operational solutions remains a core objective of this multi-year initiative.
Low Jin Phang, President, Digital Systems, ST Engineering, also addressed the importance of human oversight and interpretation in AI-powered environments, emphasising workforce development and the synergy between people and intelligent systems.
"AI enables faster, smarter decision-making by processing vast amounts of data, helping organisations and individuals navigate increasingly complex and dynamic environments. But it is no substitute for humans. We believe humans are needed to interpret insights, make nuanced choices and guide AI towards meaningful outcomes. That is why we are investing in our people, with a clear roadmap to further develop our AI-ready workforce across the Group."
Collaborative approach
The five-year AI Research Translation programme is being delivered with the support of academic partners and research collaborators alongside ST Engineering. A key aspect of the initiative will be the continual refinement of both robotics and AI systems to address evolving challenges in areas such as disaster response, logistics, and security operations.
By providing real-world demonstrations such as MUMTOS at the conference, ST Engineering outlined how its capabilities could be applied to scenarios where timely information and rapid response are critical - for example, search and rescue operations and emergency medical support.
The company confirmed that it will maintain investment in workforce skills alongside technology development, aligning with its view that human expertise remains crucial for guiding and harnessing AI outcomes.
