SBS Transit Launches Mobility Innovation Centre for Smarter and Greener Journeys and Better Customer Experience

Passengers with hearing loss who wonder how they can get help with routes, direction of travel or other MRT enquiries will soon be able to do so easily thanks to SiLViA – our new assistant who communicates in sign language. Powered by Generative AI technology, SiLViA uses advanced speech recognition algorithms to instantly translate spoken and written words into sign language. This technology promotes greater accessibility and empowers them to travel independently and confidently on public transport. SiLViA will be stationed at the North East Line’s Chinatown Station from July 2024. 

Over at the Ang Mo Kio Interchange, a smiling face will welcome passengers and be on hand to serve them as a one-stop digital concierge from June 2024. Known as AIVA, she will help passengers with travel and wayfinding queries. Designed with Artificial Intelligence technology, she is capable of chatting with passengers to provide prompt assistance and equip them with helpful information to enhance their travel experience.  

Both AIVA and SiLViA were just some of the innovative projects showcased at the SBS Transit Mobility Innovation Centre (MINNOVA), which was launched today by Ms Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Culture, Community and the Youth (please see Annex A for details of the exhibits). Jointly established by SBS Transit and Enterprise Singapore, MINNOVA is an innovation hub where SMEs, start-ups, industry experts, academics, government agencies and other stakeholders can come together to network, brainstorm and co-create innovative solutions to push boundaries and tackle emerging challenges in the public transport industry. 

SBS Transit also signed six Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with key partners to collaborate towards smarter, greener and more accessible mobility in Singapore. They are Aviation Virtual, FingerDance, I.O.T. Workz, NEU Battery Materials, RSP Architects Planners & Engineers, as well as StarHub (please see Annex B for details of the MOU signings). 

Mr Jeffrey Sim, Group CEO of SBS Transit said: “The establishment of MINNOVA marks a significant step forward in our efforts to deliver reliable, inclusive and delightful journeys for our passengers and in making public transport sustainable. Uniquely, it provides a space for local start-ups and enterprises to develop and test their ideas in solving real-world public transport challenges and the possibilities and opportunities to scale their new innovations to the global market. We are excited by its potential to fuel innovation and hope that this will drive positive transformation to shape the future of our public transport industry."
 

Annex A: Details of the Exhibits

Annex B: Details of the MOU Signings