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In the dynamic landscape of Singapore, demographic shifts are reshaping the fabric of society, with citizens aged 65 and above constituting nearly one-fifth of the population in 2023 – an increase of over 11% from a decade ago. Projections suggest that by 2030, almost a quarter of Singaporeans will fall into this age bracket, highlighting the pressing need to adapt to the challenges and opportunities presented by an ageing society.
Embracing robotics emerges as a transformative strategy to navigate these challenges while unlocking opportunities for a more age-inclusive and future-ready society, where technological innovation intersects with societal needs to pave the way for sustainable progress and enhanced quality of life for all members of the community.
At the forefront of Singapore’s quest for an age-inclusive future lies the recognition of robotics as a potent ally in fostering productivity, efficiency, and quality of life for older workers. Robotics offers a multifaceted approach to addressing the needs of the elderly population, particularly in mitigating physical strain and enhancing their contributions to the workforce.
By delegating routine tasks to robots – such as physical patrols or inspections – elderly workers can focus on higher-value activities, leveraging their expertise to make informed decisions and recommendations. This collaborative model not only enhances productivity but also promotes intergenerational collaboration and combats ageism in the workplace.
However, realising the full potential of robotics in an ageing society requires overcoming several challenges, including barriers to acceptance and integration. Traditional approaches to robot design have often prioritised functionality over usability, leading to complex interfaces and potential risks associated with improper usage. To address these challenges, efforts are underway to imbue robots with human-like qualities, including intuitive interaction and seamless integration into existing workflows. Advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies enable robots to understand and respond to natural language commands, as well as learn from human actions through observation and imitation. By enhancing robots’ usability and acceptance among older workers, we can unlock their full potential as valuable assets in the workforce.
Collaborative initiatives spearheaded by organisations like A*STAR are driving research and development efforts to create next-generation robots that are not only intelligent and adaptable but also empathetic and intuitive in their interactions with humans. By leveraging AI technologies to enhance robots’ cognitive abilities and situational awareness, we can empower them to navigate complex environments with ease, thereby expanding their utility across a wide range of industries and applications.
Moreover, addressing cost barriers associated with robotics deployment is essential to ensuring equitable access to these transformative technologies. While the initial investment required for robotics integration may seem daunting, advancements in AI and automation hold the promise of reducing both upfront costs and long-term maintenance expenses. Streamlining programming and integration processes through AI-driven automation lowers the barrier to entry for businesses seeking to adopt robotics solutions, catalysing widespread adoption and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Singapore’s economy.
Robotics represents a transformative opportunity to create a more age-inclusive and future-ready society in Singapore. By harnessing the power of technology to augment the capabilities of our ageing workforce, we can unlock new opportunities for innovation, productivity, and economic growth. Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to human-centred design principles, Singapore can chart a course towards a future where robots and humans coexist harmoniously, enriching each other’s lives and shaping a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.
