PUB trials remote-controlled pump vehicle, road sensors to tackle flooding

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The pump vehicle can be remotely manoeuvred into flooded areas, navigating uneven terrain and staircases.

The pump vehicle can be remotely manoeuvred into flooded areas, navigating uneven terrain and staircases.

SINGAPORE: A remote-controlled vehicle that can pump out floodwater and road sensors that monitor road surface water levels in real time are among the new tools being trialled by national water agency PUB to strengthen its flood response capabilities.

The agency announced the initiatives on Thursday (Nov 12) ahead of the northeast monsoon season - typically between December and March - as it launched its third flood resilience campaign to encourage the public to be better prepared for floods.

While Singapore experienced frequent and severe flooding between the 1950s and 1980s, investments in drainage infrastructure over the years have reduced the flood-prone area from about 3,200ha in the 1970s to less than 25ha today.

PUB has started a one-year pilot of its remote-controlled pump vehicle to support flood response operations.

Unlike conventional pumping arrangements that require large vehicles, bulky generators and substantial manpower, the new vehicle is a compact, tracked mobile pumping platform that is designed for rapid deployment with minimal setup.

It can be remotely manoeuvred into flooded areas, navigating uneven terrain and staircases to pump out floodwater into nearby drainage systems.

Operators can control the vehicle from up to 100m away, minimising the need for workers to enter floods where there may be potential hazards, such as electrical installations in basements.

Besides basements, it can also help with flooded car parks and tunnels.

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