The government has launched a series of measures to accelerate the adoption of robotics and innovative technologies in Singapore's built environment sector. These include rental waivers for technology testbeds, streamlined procurement processes and regulatory changes aimed at reducing barriers to deployment.

The latest measures come as Singapore continues to see strong construction demand, with robotics, automation and digitalisation identified as key enablers to boost productivity and address manpower constraints across the built environment sector, says Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat at the Construction Technology @ Punggol Digital District event on July 17.

To encourage companies to pilot new technologies, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) will waive space rental fees for technology sandboxes at the Built Environment Innovation Hub for two years from July 2026. It will initially apply to teams testing productivity-enhancing solutions, particularly robotics and automation technologies.

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The waiver could be extended to other areas if there is demand for other types of technologies, adds Chee.

Additionally, JTC will establish a new sandbox in Jurong Innovation District to trial large-scale autonomous construction technologies and heavy construction equipment systems. The inaugural project will be carried out in partnership with Kajima Corporation, alongside JTC, HDB and the Smart and Sustainable Precincts Taskforce Programme Office.

To help promising technologies move beyond pilot projects, JTC will also launch the Innovative Procurement Partnership (IPP) tenders for technologies, such as construction inspection robots and remote-controlled tower cranes.

The framework, introduced in February 2025, allows companies with successful pilot projects to be considered for future JTC projects without having to participate in fresh tenders. The move reduces administrative barriers to commercial deployment.

Following the launch of the first two IPP tenders earlier this year, JTC received nearly 20 submissions and awarded the tenders to three start-ups.

On the regulatory front, the Ministry of Manpower and BCA have eased workplace safety requirements for construction projects deploying smart hoists.

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Following a review of the first batch of pilot projects, firms will no longer be required to station operators inside smart hoists, provided appropriate safety measures, such as door interlocks, are implemented.

To further streamline processes, agencies can also consider studying the possibility of whitelisting smart hoist solutions that have proven safety records in future, for pre-approved exemption from the rules, says Chee.

Alongside these regulatory enhancements, JTC is also looking to accelerate the adoption of digital solutions. The agency announced the first batch of solutions under its Integrated Digital Delivery Technology Alliance, a curated marketplace of digital tools that integrate with JTC's OPTIMUS Connected Data Environment. The shared digital workspace enables information sharing among project teams throughout the project lifecycle, from design to construction.

The initiative aims to help construction firms adopt proven digital solutions more efficiently, reducing the need for individual trial-and-error processes while providing technology companies with greater opportunities to scale their innovations.