Singapore’s JTC and Kajima Development have started what JTC describes as the country’s first pilot of autonomous heavy construction equipment. Excavators and compactors are being tested at the Bulim autonomous yard in Jurong.
The pilot targets labor and safety constraints
JTC says the machines combine autonomous navigation and operation with geofencing, LiDAR and emergency-stop systems. The program targets a 50% reduction in operators by allowing one operator to supervise two machines, rather than assigning one person to each machine.
The test could expand in 2027
The official release says the partners may add bulldozers and dump trucks in 2027. The Straits Times independently reported four machines in the trial and possible deployment from 2028 if testing succeeds.
Targets are not operating results
The staffing reduction, safety benefits and future rollout are pilot goals. The announcement does not provide completed productivity studies, incident-rate comparisons or evidence of reliable operation across active commercial worksites.