Here’s how this indoor patrol robot is reshaping frontline policing at Changi Airport Terminal 4!
By: Al Cheng
It glides silently across the shiny floors and conducts surveillance in Changi Airport Terminal 4. But GIBSON is no ordinary machine.
Developed for the Airport Police Division (APD) by the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) in partnership with Agency for Science, Technology and Research’s Institute for Infocomm Research, this rideable indoor robot is the latest technological innovation to be adopted by the Singapore Police Force.
On trial at the Terminal 4 Departure Hall since July 2025, GIBSON augments Police operations by enhancing patrol presence and improving officers’ mobility within Changi Airport.
What sets GIBSON apart is its dual-mode operation – it can function autonomously or be deployed as a rideable platform for officers. Here’s a first-hand look at GIBSON’s capabilities in action!
Built for the Beat
In autonomous mode, GIBSON can conduct patrols independently, enhancing Police presence across the terminal. Equipped with technologies such as 3D Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors, depth cameras and Sound Navigation and Ranging (SONAR) sensors, it can navigate indoor environments safely. Its smart sensing capabilities enable it to monitor its surroundings, detect obstacles and avoid collisions.
Ride When Ready
GIBSON can be summoned via a mobile app. In ride mode, it functions as a personal mobility platform. Developed in-house by HTX, the ride-hailing function allows the APD’s Ground Response Force officers to call GIBSON directly to their location. Once it arrives, they can simply step on and zip across the terminal – enabling swift and efficient response to incidents.
This capability eliminates the need to locate a robot manually or return it to a parking station. This allows officers to focus on incident response, improving response time and operational readiness within the airport.
“The deployment of GIBSON helps improve our officers’ mobility while they patrol or respond to incidents in the airport,” said Superintendent of Police Patrick Pang, Operations Officer (Planning and Readiness), APD. “GIBSON’s features, coupled with existing surveillance capabilities, will complement existing Police patrols and enhance Police presence in the airport.”
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