By Abbas Nazil
Visitors with visual impairments will soon be able to explore Gardens by the Bay more independently, as the attraction plans to introduce a robot guide dog and other assistive technologies aimed at improving accessibility.
From the third quarter of 2026, the robot guide dog will be deployed at the Flower Dome, allowing visually impaired individuals to navigate the space on their own while receiving audio guidance along a curated route highlighting key plant exhibits.
The initiative forms part of a broader effort to enhance inclusivity and empower persons with disabilities to experience public spaces with greater confidence and autonomy.
Singapore’s National Development Minister, Chee Hong Tat, announced the development on March 22, noting that such technologies can significantly improve how visitors interact with the environment.
The robot guide dog, developed by local firm RoamAssist, is equipped with a handle and programmed with the layout of the Flower Dome to guide users safely.
It is capable of detecting obstacles and adjusting routes in real time, while also providing audio descriptions and instructions to help users understand the exhibits through tactile guidebooks.
In addition to the robotic guide, a wearable artificial intelligence headset is being developed by another local start-up, AiSee, with trials expected to begin in early 2027.
The headset will allow users to identify plants by capturing images through voice prompts, processing them via cloud-based AI, and delivering descriptions back through audio.
To further support visitors with different needs, an online sensory map will be introduced from June to assist individuals with autism and their caregivers in planning visits.
The map will indicate sensory conditions such as noise, lighting, and smells across various sections of the gardens at different times of the day.
These new measures build on existing accessibility programmes introduced since 2024, including sensory tours that incorporate tactile materials, descriptive narration, and physical plant samples.
More than 800 participants have already benefited from these tours, while several individuals have been trained and employed as docents to lead such experiences.
One of the trained guides, Liza Rosli, demonstrated the robot guide dog during an event attended by Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who also serves as patron of the Gift of Gardens initiative.
The goal, according to organisers, is to eventually enable visually impaired visitors to navigate the Flower Dome independently at their own pace without relying on human assistance.
A visually impaired visitor, Ong Boon Keat, who tested the device, said the innovation represents a major shift from relying on family members or volunteer guides.
He noted that the robot not only guides users to specific areas but also narrates and describes the plants, enhancing the overall experience.
Beyond leisure, he expressed hope that similar technology could be adapted for everyday activities such as commuting or visiting public facilities.
The accessibility initiatives align with Singapore’s broader Enabling Masterplan 2030, a national strategy designed to support persons with disabilities and encourage their full participation in society.
Funding support for the robot guide dog and AI headset comes from the Enabling Lives Initiative Grant, managed by SG Enable and backed by Tote Board.
Gardens by the Bay has also increased community engagement, with over 1,000 youths volunteering in its programmes since 2025 and plans to involve up to 3,000 volunteers by 2028 through collaboration with Youth Corps Singapore.
The attraction’s management emphasised that these innovations reflect a commitment to inclusivity and equal access, especially as the site prepares for future expansion projects, including the Wetlands by the Bay scheduled to open in phases from late 2028.
With about 16 million visitors recorded in 2025, the introduction of these technologies is expected to further enhance the experience for all guests while reinforcing the vision of making nature accessible to everyone.
