We refer to the letter from Mr Liu Fook Thim (“Reassess deployment of robots at MRT stations”, Dec 18).

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) first trialled the use of robotics during Exercise Station Guard at Hougang Station on 5 December 2018. Through this trial, LTA is studying how the use of robots can potentially complement existing video cameras mounted at fixed locations and other security measures. This is part of our ongoing efforts to leverage technology in transport operations.

LTA will analyse the learning points and data gathered from the trial to understand the effectiveness of using these robots. All factors will be considered before any decision is made to deploy this technology throughout the public transport network.  

We thank Mr Liu for the opportunity to clarify.

Yeo Teck Guan 
Senior Group Director, Public Transport 
Land Transport Authority