8 World News, 体验机器人推轮椅 陈杰豪：人工智能须安全可靠

(Translation)

Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information and Health, Tan Kiat How, shared his experience and reflections after personally trying out being pushed on a wheelchair by a humanoid robot at the recent launch of the Singapore University of Technology and Design’s (SUTD) CoLab.

In a Facebook post, Mr Tan said that the pace of advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics was impressive. However, he stressed that for these technologies to become truly integrated into people’s daily lives, they must not only be useful but also safe and reliable.

He also commended SUTD’s collaboration with technology companies AvePoint and MaivenPoint in helping businesses turn AI ideas into practical solutions.

Mr Tan was particularly impressed by CoLab’s “Learn, Build, Deploy” model. He noted that the approach goes beyond teaching employees how to use AI tools. It also gives them opportunities to rethink work processes, experiment with their own ideas, and develop solutions to problems they understand best.

He emphasised that these solutions must also have appropriate safeguards and human oversight when deployed in real-world settings.

Reflecting on the innovative technologies showcased at the event, Mr Tan highlighted Talk2Print, which uses AI to simplify the 3D printing process, and Dragonfly, an autonomous robot designed specifically to eliminate mosquitoes.

Mr Tan also joked that he hoped robots could one day help catch rats in neighbourhoods.

“I look forward to seeing more employees and businesses turn their ideas into solutions that genuinely improve people’s lives,” he said.