Singapore Tests Self-Driving Excavators to Boost Safety

Construction sites in Singapore are about to get a major upgrade, and it doesn't involve hiring more workers.

JTC Corporation and Japan's Kajima Corporation just launched the country's first pilot program testing autonomous excavators and compactors at Jurong Innovation District. These machines can dig, compact soil, and complete other heavy tasks without anyone in the driver's seat.

Here's how it works: An operator assigns tasks and sets virtual boundaries for each machine from a control room. The equipment then uses sensors and artificial intelligence to complete the work independently while staff monitor remotely and step in only when needed.

The goal is ambitious but practical. JTC aims to cut operator needs in half, with one person overseeing two machines instead of one. With 800 hectares of earthworks projects planned over the next five years, Singapore needs smarter solutions than simply adding more workers.

The technology comes from multiple partners. Gravis Robotics, a Zurich startup, provides retrofit kits for the excavators. Kajima's A4CSEL system powers the compactors in its first deployment outside Japan.

The retrofit approach is key. Contractors can upgrade machines they already own rather than replacing entire fleets, making the technology accessible to more companies.

Safety improvements extend beyond efficiency. Workers face fewer hazards when they don't need to operate heavy machinery or work near moving equipment. LiDAR sensors detect humans and obstacles, while geofencing keeps machines within designated areas. Emergency stop controls are available both on site and in the control room.

The Ripple Effect

This pilot program is creating new opportunities across Singapore's construction industry. Kajima is partnering with local contractor Kok Tong Construction and equipment provider Tractors Singapore Limited to train operators and engineers in these emerging skills.

The Ministry of Manpower is working with JTC to develop industry-wide operating guidelines and safety standards. If successful, these protocols could shape how autonomous construction equipment is deployed throughout Southeast Asia and beyond.

By 2027, the team plans to expand trials to autonomous bulldozers and dump trucks, creating coordinated fleets that work together. JTC is also opening its Bulim Autonomous Yard sandbox to other public agencies, contractors, and technology companies for additional testing.

Singapore is proving that innovation doesn't mean choosing between workers and technology, but rather finding better ways to protect people while building the future.