HDB to deploy smart hoists at half of BTO sites from 2027

Each unit carries 2D LiDAR and anti-pinch door sensors for automated operation.

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) plans to progressively deploy Smart Passenger and Material (PM) Hoists at about half of build-to-order (BTO) sites tendered from 2027.

The phased rollout will allow equipment suppliers, logistics providers, and maintenance firms to build up the capabilities needed to support wider use of the technology.

Contractors and technology providers will also have time to integrate the smart hoists into their site operations.

Smart PM Hoists are equipped with safety features, such as 2D LiDAR and anti-pinch door sensors that allow them to operate without a dedicated operator.

HDB said one worker can supervise up to three Smart PM Hoists, estimating that it could translate to a productivity gain of about 200% at a site with six hoists.

The move follows preliminary trials in Woodlands, Yishun, and Rochor.

HDB is also testing robots for other labour-intensive construction tasks, including floor screeding to eliminate the need for workers to manually set up level pegs and assist with levelling and smoothing floors before tiles or vinyl are installed.

Following preliminary trials at BTO projects in Bukit Merah and Ghim Moh, the board plans to extend the screeding robot trials to at least four more BTO projects in 2027.

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