Mapletree, a global real estate development firm, is set to revolutionize operations at Mapletree Business City, one of Singapore’s most extensive integrated business hubs, through the deployment of a Robotics Middleware Framework (RMF)-based middleware. This cutting-edge technology is aimed at enhancing the seamless operation of robotics within the complex.
The RMF is an open-source framework designed to enable interoperability and orchestration among heterogeneous robot fleets while efficiently managing the shared resources, including space, building infrastructure systems, and other automation systems within the same facility. This integration optimizes the utilization of autonomous mobile robots (AMR) for various purposes such as surveillance, last-mile delivery of food and parcels, and cleaning across all buildings on the premises.
The ambitious project is made possible with support from the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust (MPACT). It will encompass a large-scale middleware deployment within the business park complex, boasting an impressive 268,600 square meters of lettable space.
IMDA emphasized that RMF technology is still in its early stages, with limited sites available for AMR industry players to test its technical and operational feasibility. IMDA noted that this experimental space will not only serve as a platform for AMR players to conduct trial testing but will also contribute to the establishment of interoperability standards in the field.
Sharon Lim, CEO of MPACT, expressed her vision for the project, stating that it aims to enhance operational efficiencies and deliver a unique experience for tenants at the site through the middleware deployment. The partners plan to invest progressively in the deployment over the next two years.
This drive to enhance interoperability aligns with IMDA’s Digital Connectivity Blueprint, launched in June 2023, with the goal of ensuring Singapore’s digital infrastructure is future-ready. IMDA is also expected to bring various ecosystem players together to enhance RMF-based middleware features and develop new capabilities.
The initiative follows Singapore’s ongoing commitment to integrating robotics and automation into diverse sectors. In 2022, Changi General Hospital (CGH) introduced RoMi-H, a robotics middleware for healthcare, which established a common “language” for robots to interact with building infrastructure. This innovation allowed robots from different manufacturers to seamlessly collaborate and operate within the hospital environment.
Mapletree’s deployment of RMF-based middleware at Mapletree Business City is another significant step towards advancing the integration of robotics within Singapore’s business landscape, promoting efficiency and innovation.
