20 January 2021

M1, Continental and JTC advance Singapore’s Smart Nation ambition through 5G standalone network and robotics

Partnership of M1, Continental and JTC to advance autonomous mobility expertise in Singapore

M1 Limited (M1), Continental Automotive Singapore (Continental) and JTC jointly announced a collaboration to conduct autonomous transport systems 5G standalone (SA) trials for Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) operations. This trial is supported by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), which is focused on  supporting and nurturing the growth of 5G use cases in Singapore.

The joint partnership will explore the operations of 5G-enabled AMRs in a live environment, based on newly developed network and infrastructure solutions for consumers, as well as enhance construction safety using analytics. M1, Continental and JTC will create the infrastructure and deep dive into the operations of AMRs for last mile delivery of goods and food, to support the burgeoning growth of e-commerce and drive Singapore’s progress as a global innovation hub for connected mobility.

Focusing on network architecture and planning, M1 will take on project management to implement the 5G SA network infrastructure for AMRs operations. Continental will deploy Corriere LM, its Last Mile Delivery Robot, to demonstrate its technology for driverless mobility systems. JTC will provide the trial spaces and facilitate discussions with tenants and operators on potential user trials. 

The trials will be carried out in Jurong Innovation District (JID), at locations such as the Centre of Excellence for Testing and Research of Autonomous Vehicles (CETRAN), JTC developments in CleanTech Park, and construction projects in the district. JTC will also assess the trial performance to further enhance the infrastructure for safe operations of the AMRs as well as construction safety at JTC sites, using video analytics for detection of safety violations and provision of real-time alerts.

“We are very pleased to work closely with Continental and JTC to demonstrate the extensive capabilities of the 5G SA network, which is going to be the real game changer for 5G. M1 is at the forefront of deploying 5G SA network for real-world solutions, supported by M1’s low-latency, responsive, secured and high-throughput mobile 5G SA connectivity, which are essential for the operation of AMRs and other autonomous vehicles. The possibilities are endless with 5G, and with the support of IMDA, we are taking another step forward in driving Singapore's Smart Nation ambitions,” said Mr Willis Sim, Chief Corporate Sales and Solutions Officer, M1.   

“The collaboration will allow Continental to deploy our robot concept, Corriere LM, for future autonomous last mile delivery transport. It will benefit from our world-class expertise in autonomous vehicle technology. 5G will essentially enable the safe and reliable execution of AMRs, allowing us to facilitate trials to prepare for future real-life deployments. With the help of robot delivery, Continental is ready to accelerate Singapore’s Smart Nation journey, through our vision for seamless mobility right to your doorstep,” added Mr Kien Foh Lo, President & CEO of Continental Automotive Singapore.

“Jurong Innovation District is Singapore’s largest living lab for new manufacturing and logistics technology and solutions. Riding on the wave of digital transformation, technology providers and manufacturers are seeking to develop and test-bed use cases that demonstrate how 5G can be deployed to enhance operations and drive further innovation. Complemented by our ready ecosystem of partners and infrastructure in JID, this trial will help to bring new innovations to market faster,” said Ms Finn Tay, Director of New Estates Division 1, JTC.

“As the architects of Singapore’s digital future, IMDA will continue to invest in the development of a secure and resilient 5G communications network and ecosystem, so as to bring about exciting opportunities for individuals, workers and businesses. We welcome more industry partners to join us in co-creating new possibilities in Singapore’s 5G journey,” said Mr Liau Eng Soon, Cluster Director, Trade and Connectivity, IMDA.

M1 is committed to drive technology change through 5G and apply innovative technology that could make a difference to Singapore’s transformation to a digital economy. M1 has started various multi-vendor 5G trials as early as 2018. A recent 5G collaboration was the partnership with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and Airbus for coastal 5G SA network trials at the Singapore Maritime Drone Estate for unmanned aerial vehicles. M1 also partnered PSA Corporation to explore 5G-enabled innovative Smart Port use-cases such as tele-remote controlled equipment and automated guided vehicles.

 

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About M1

M1, a subsidiary of Keppel Corporation, is Singapore’s first digital network operator, providing a suite of communications services, including mobile, fixed line and fibre offerings, to over two million customers.

Since the launch of its commercial services in 1997, M1 has achieved many firsts – becoming one of the first operators to be awarded one of Singapore’s two nationwide 5G standalone network license, first operator to offer nationwide 4G service, as well as ultra high-speed fixed broadband, fixed voice and other services on the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (NGNBN).

M1’s mission is to drive transformation and evolution in Singapore’s telecommunications landscape through cutting-edge technology and made-to-measure offerings. For more information, visit www.m1.com.sg

About Continental

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2019, Continental generated sales of €44.5 billion and currently employs more than 233,000 people in 59 countries and markets. In 2021, the company celebrates its 150th anniversary.

About Jurong Innovation District
Master-planned and developed by JTC, Jurong Innovation District is a 600-hectare next-generation district located along Singapore’s western manufacturing belt at the heart of Southeast Asia. The District houses a one-stop advanced manufacturing campus that is home to a vibrant ecosystem of R&D institutions, industry enablers, and advanced manufacturers and their factories of the future. The community has ready access to Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, an academic institution that offers world-class undergraduate and graduate programmes to 32,000 students. As Singapore’s largest living lab, the District is also a place where ideas and technologies are developed, prototyped, test-bedded and commercialised. Startups and incubators are housed in close proximity to businesses and academia, fostering strong collaborations and accelerating the commercialisation of new technologies. To be developed over the next 20 years, the District is estimated to bring about 95,000 new jobs in research, innovation and advanced manufacturing.

For more information on JID, visit https://estates.jtc.gov.sg/jid