The COVID-19 pandemic has made physical shopping more challenging for consumers due to the threat of the virus. The crisis also posed a significant challenge to property developers, with decreased footfall traffic across many malls and office sites as more consumers turn to online shopping amid safe distancing measures and personal safety concerns.
Now, consumers who still need to shop physically can do so with greater peace of mind with a tech firm bringing about enhanced and safe experiences at Singapore’s Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ) comprising PLQ 1, 2, 3 and Mall. The tech developer announced that it is an integrated solution comprising security, technology, and customer service across the building parameters of PLQ.
In line with the low touch demands of the new normal, the solution will deploy an Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled robot, which operates 24/7 to interact with shoppers and visitors to provide wayfinding services. OSCAR, the n autonomous purpose-built robot with AI detection capabilities, can detect and sound alerts upon encountering illegally parked bicycles, fires, and people smoking in non-designated areas or loitering in PLQ after hours. It also has the capabilities to broadcast pre-planned or emergency messages to members of the public.
By Q4 2021, shoppers can use the touch screen of OSCAR to access the mall directory. OSCAR will then be able to identify crowding and play messages to inform shoppers to adhere to safe distancing measures. By adapting to and embracing changes in the new normal, the low-touch solution will motivate shoppers to choose PLQ for safer and better shopping experiences.
The solution incorporates leading technology into security services to integrate management and security services across multiple sites. With technology, productivity levels of mall operations will increase while maintaining security and high service delivery standards, providing shoppers and visitors with a safer and better shopping experience.
The tech firm’s office will receive information feeds from CCTVs, sensors, and intercom systems spread across the four PLQ buildings. Orchestrated by a single command and control for multiple sites, the office will also receive live feeds from OSCAR and can make use of data surveillance to resolve issues such as locating missing children or items.
Additionally, PLQ is supported by a pool of skilled security officers that are ready to take on a myriad of roles where needed. Security officers are trained for concierge and technological operations. Through upskilling programmes at the tech firm’s Corporate University and on-the-job training in emergency response and digital literacy for the various technology platforms used for the integrated solution, they can handle various roles on demand.
The tech firm also empowers its officers with digital tools to continually boost their efficiency and productivity. At PLQ, officers are armed with the tech firm’s mobile app can respond directly to issues whenever notified by their office.
As reported by OpenGov Asia, the National AI Strategy announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Heng Swee Keat mapped out how Singapore will develop and deploy AI solutions to transform the economy and improve lives.
The National AI Strategy focuses on five key areas:
- Healthcare
- Security
- Smart Estates
- Education
- Logistics
The strategy is led by the National AI Office, an agency created under the Smart Nation and Digital Government Office. Some of the areas where results are already beginning to show in real-time are in using AI and robots in the fight against COVID-19, AI analysis for better COVID-19 contact tracing, smart AI robots for patrol and surveillance, smart sensors and meters to save water and AI in data analytics for tourism insights.
