Driverless buses, drones: NTU seeks to become Singapore’s smartest university

Tech-enabled solutions and digital technology will be at the core of Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore’s future under its ambitious new president.

Professor Subra Suresh this week launched the university’s Smart Campus initiative, which includes rolling out a new Smart Pass used for cash-free payments, security purposes and other campus services; 22-fully electric shuttles including a number of self-driving vehicles; and use of drones to clean campus spaces and return trays in NTU canteens.

“We are working hard to ensure that NTU will be Singapore’s largest Smart Campus, and that it will take the lead in Singapore’s drive to become a Smart Nation,” Subra said,

“NTU will also strive to serve as a model for other communities in Singapore and around the globe by demonstrating how advanced tech-enabled solutions can help improve everyday life in a sustainable manner.”

NTU President Subra Suresh showcases the new Smart Pass. Source: NTU

According to data from Elsevier’s Scopus and Times Higher Education, Nanyang Technological University is already ranked third in the world in terms of Artificial Intelligence, based upon the number of publications released from the institution.

It is also ranked first on the in Quacquarelli Symonds’ (QS) Asia University Rankings for 2018.

Subra said:

“It is not just about technology. It is equally important for us to focus on the impact of technology on humans, the natural and built environment, and local and global society.”

“NTU’s large, beautiful and green campus makes it the ideal place to research, testbed and showcase new smart technologies, from applications for sustainable buildings and efficient energy utilisation to electric and autonomous vehicles to enriching and improving the way we learn, work and live.”

The university is partnering with tech giant Siemens to research smart infrastructure aimed at optimising the environmental performance of green buildings and driverless vehicles.

Liked this? Then you’ll love…

Singapore’s NTU beats NUS again to be Asia’s best university

How Singapore expands ‘soft power’ through education