Singaporean telco M1 and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) today (July 24) to further research into advanced robots that use 5G technology, The Straits Times reports. Under the MoU, M1 will provide and develop the supporting 5G network, with an indoor network testbed of 5G small cells – which it claims is a first in Singapore – set up in SUTD for researchers and students to work on. The paper notes that areas of focus for the testbed include security and delivery services, the real-time remote operation of robots and e-scooters, and the production of virtual-reality and augmented-reality content for video-streaming. The two companies say they aim to translate innovative research into practical solutions for government and enterprises, and develop a talent pipeline to drive Singapore’s Smart Nation goals.
‘The collaboration with SUTD offers us an exciting opportunity to build our in-house 5G competencies and attract students to participate in experimental 5G projects,’ said M1 chief technical officer Denis Seek.
Last month, Singtel and M1 were selected by the city-state telecoms regulator Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to take part in smart port trials utilising 5G technology with port operator PSA Corporation.