Temasek Polytechnic and ST Kinetics Develop State-of-the-Art "Last-Mile Enabler" for the Modern Warfighter

Feb 16, 2012 18:47 JST

Source: Singapore Airshow

Singapore Airshow, Feb 16, 2012 - (ACN Newswire) - Temasek Polytechnic (TP) has collaborated with ST Kinetics to develop a Robotic Articulated Wheel Vehicle (RawV) that has the potential to beef up Singapore's defence capabilities. This unmanned vehicle is scalable and can be used for dangerous search and rescue operations, bomb disposal, mine detection, military surveillance behind enemy lines, and can also function as a logistics transporter into enemy territory to help lighten the payload carried by troops.

Remotely controlled using modern day mobile devices such as a mobile phone, the RawV has a total of 16 motors and a camera that allow the operator to remotely view what lies in front of the vehicle. The operator can then navigate the robotic vehicle through challenging terrain including surmounting obstacles and crossing gaps that are wider than the vehicle's length.

Developed by three students from TP's Diploma in Mechatronics, as part of their final-year Major Project cum Student Internship Programme when they were attached to ST Kinetics, the project took 19 weeks to complete. Throughout this period, the students were supervised by a team of TP lecturers and engineers from ST Kinetics.

The RawV will be showcased under the 'New Ideas-Playpen' section of the ST Engineering booth at the Singapore Airshow 2012 in the Changi Exhibition Centre.

Commenting on the tie-up, TP's Deputy Principal and Director of TP's School of Engineering, Mrs Lay-Tan Siok Lie, said: "We are pleased to work with ST Kinetics in developing a prototype unmanned combat vehicle as part of our students' final year Major Project. By working closely with our industry partners, we keep our curriculum relevant to the needs of the industry, while ensuring that our students get the best learning experience."

Dr Richard Kwok, Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer of ST Kinetics and a member of the TP School of Engineering Advisory Committee, said: "ST Kinetics is constantly on the lookout to partner educational institutions to jointly undertake activities of mutual interest. Involving the integration of automated technologies, this project is an excellent example of such a collaboration to develop an innovative product that will benefit not just the industry, but potentially the defence of the nation as a whole."

About Temasek Polytechnic

Temasek Polytechnic (TP) is a significant contributor to the field of para-professional education in Singapore. TP currently offers 53 full-time diploma courses in the areas of applied science, business, design, engineering, humanities & social sciences and informatics & IT. It also offers over 40 part-time courses, up to the advanced diploma level. TP students undergo a holistic learning system that combines hands-on experience, character education and relevant life skills, in an enriching learning environment. The Polytechnic has also infused global realities into its programmes and developed a mindset on campus that embraces socio-cultural diversity. These approaches ensure that TP graduates are economy relevant, future relevant and life relevant. For more information, please visit www.tp.edu.sg.

About ST Kinetics

ST Kinetics (Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd) is the land systems and specialty vehicles arm of Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd. It delivers integrated land systems, specialty vehicles and their related through life support for defence, homeland security and commercial applications. Please visit www.stengg.com.

Media contacts:

Temasek Polytechnic
Corinne Teo
Corporate Communications Officer
Tel: +65-67806974 / +65-92321932
E-mail: coryteo@tp.edu.sg

ST Kinetics
Seng Woei Yuan
Head, Corporate Communications
Tel: +65-66607449 / +65-98422773
E-mail: sengwy@stengg.com

Source: Singapore Airshow
Sectors: Airlines