HDB inks $10.7m deal with NTU and SUTD

Both deals were for research and development agreements.

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) sealed two deals worth $10.7m with Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) to fulfill housing needs.

HDB signed a $4.7m collaboration with NTU to develop a Smart Integrated Construction System (SICS). This will use smart sensors and automation to facilitate traditional construction processes.

The core of the SICS program is the HDB Integrated Building Information System (IBIS), a central digital database that will serve as a "collaborative workspace."

IBIS will streamline data among architects, contractors, pre-casters, and construction material suppliers.

This will be backed by a smart tracking system that will manage construction inventory logistics whenever they move from various suppliers. The system will have smart sensors with geotagging capacities.

A smart crane system will also automate manual hoisting of building components through smart sensors. IT will calculate the safest hoisting path and cut construction time and improve safety.

"As the urban landscape in Singapore evolves, HDB will continue to tap on the power of technological innovations, and partner with industry experts to create well-designed, community-centric and sustainable homes for Singaporeans," HDB said in a press release.

The other deal with SUTD is a memorandum of understanding (MOU) worth $6m for the New Urban Kampung research programme. The study will use modelling tools in socio-demographic factors to address diverse housing needs.