Many of us would have seen footage of drone light shows online. But did you know such drone swarms can possibly be deployed to protect and save lives as well?
Imagine an autonomous army of flying drones fanning out in seamless coordination, methodically combing a sprawling disaster zone, and sending real-time footage and locations of survivors to rescue teams.
This might be a real capability in the not-so-distant future, thanks to engineers like Ker Chin Tian.
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A robotics software engineer at HTX, the 24-year-old is developing algorithms that instruct drone swarms to assist Home Team officers.
“Instead of jeopardising officers’ physical safety, we can use these drones to explore and map an unknown environment, and detect hazards and threats,” says the computer engineering graduate.
Chin Tian’s work on robotics is a natural extension of her interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects from her early years. The NUS High School of Math and Science alumnus started coding in her teens, developing web and phone apps, and eventually went on to study computer engineering with a robotics specialisation at the National University of Singapore (NUS).
“We can use these drones to explore and map an unknown environment, and detect hazards and threats.”
– Ker Chin Tian, HTX robotics software engineer
In her robotics course at NUS, Chin Tian worked on a mini robot which could navigate around a maze. “Unlike pure software systems, on a robot, you have to ask yourself whether the problem is on the software side, or the hardware. There are more areas for things to go wrong.”
This complexity also applies to her work now, which involves much trial and error with the drone swarm. “Research is like that. I have to accept uncertainty,” says Chin Tian. “Even if you fail, you might learn from it.”
Occasionally, small achievements make her day. For example, she recalls the first time she loaded the algorithm onto a test drone and her code ran smoothly. “The thrill of it working gave me a lot of satisfaction,” she says.
Chin Tian says she could have chosen to work at a start-up dealing with robotics. However, she chose HTX because, unlike start-ups, the agency provides a more well-rounded development.
“At HTX, you receive much support to attend courses and learn new skills. If I had joined a start-up, I wouldn’t have had that much time to improve myself,” she says.
For example, Chin Tian once attended a course on how to operate aerial drones safely and now has an unmanned aircraft pilot licence.
Another perk is getting exposure to the international robotics scene. Recently, Chin Tian travelled to Pittsburg, Philadelphia in the US to visit research labs and robotics facilities as part of her job.
“The robotics scene in the US is very interesting because there are many different companies with a lot of land, resources and big test sites,” she observes. In one test site situation in a bushland, Chin Tian had the opportunity to take a joyride on an autonomous all-terrain vehicle.
Having a circle of trusted colleagues is another element of the job that Chin Tian greatly appreciates. “People will encourage me and help me find solutions even though they are so busy themselves. It helps to share your problems instead of trying to do everything yourself,” she says.
Another reason Chin Tian enjoys her job at HTX is the sense of purpose it offers.
“When my Home Team colleagues – like those in the Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force – share about their work, I find it very meaningful and purposeful,” she says. “I hope that eventually, my efforts will be effective in supporting Home Team officers in their operations, making a tangible difference in ensuring the safety and well-being of others.”
| Join the HTX team HTX is looking for passionate individuals with scientific, engineering and digital backgrounds to join them in harnessing science and cutting-edge technology to safeguard Singapore from current and future threats. Outstanding students are invited to apply for the HTX Scholarship, a full-ride scholarship for STEM disciplines. |
This article is brought to you by the Home Team Science and Technology Agency.