“How AI is Saving Lives in Singapore’s Waters “

The Home Team Science & Technology Agency (HTX) has partnered with agencies like the Singapore Police Force (SPF), Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) to integrate cutting-edge technology into their operations. Among these is the Marine Video Analytics for Rescue and Recovery at Sea project, developed with SCDF Marine Division to enhance marine rescue capabilities in Singapore’s waters.

The Challenges of Marine Rescue Operations
Rescuing individuals in open waters presents formidable challenges, including rapidly changing sea conditions and short windows for effective intervention. In 2023 alone, two cases involved people going missing at Sentosa and Pulau Ubin. Swift and precise human detection in water is essential, as sea currents can quickly carry individuals out of range. The extended duration of these operations also raises risks of operator fatigue, which can compromise rescue success. Furthermore, video quality is often compromised by low light, turbulent sea states, and vessel-induced motion blur.

How AI Is Helping
The AI system acts like a second set of eyes, continually analyzing video feeds to detect small objects, including humans, in challenging conditions. It enhances image quality and contrast, enabling clearer visuals, even in poor visibility, which significantly aids in locating individuals. HTX has also created synthetic data, such as thermal infrared imagery, to train AI models and overcome the shortage of real-world data.

Broader Applications in Homeland Security
AI is also being used in other critical areas, including forensic analysis through Project HAI-TextOracle, which enhances handwriting examination, and a tool under development to identify novel psychoactive substances at border checkpoints.

Showcased at MAP-TXS 2024
This technology was featured at the Milipol Asia-Pacific-TechX Summit (MAP-TXS) 2024, alongside other innovations like SCDF’s Rover-X and insect hybrid robots for land-based rescues. Hosted by HTX, GIE Milipol, and Comexposium, the event aimed to foster collaboration and dialogue around new homeland security technologies among government and industry leaders worldwide.