SINGAPORE – A handheld 3D scanner, initially built for use at construction sites by a company in Hong Kong, is being repurposed for fire investigations here.
The scanner, equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), is able to collect and analyse evidence from fire scenes, cutting investigation time from a month to just 30 minutes.
The scanner is one of several new innovations being developed at Hatch, a deep-tech accelerator by the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX).
Hatch was launched in 2023 and brings together the Home Team and global start-ups to develop technology for homeland security.
Start-ups that collaborate with HTX receive funding opportunities and access to end users in the Home Team, such as police officers and firefighters, enabling them to develop solutions that address real-world challenges more effectively.
On Feb 26, HTX held a demo day at the Lifelong Learning Institute in Paya Lebar, showcasing the technologies it was developing with 11 start-ups from five countries.
The 3D scanner by Manifold Tech was initially developed for construction and building preservation.
It is able to map out an area of 20,000 sq m, or almost half the size of the Padang, in 20 minutes.
Through Hatch, the start-up obtained data from past fire investigations by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), and used it to train an AI model for the scanner that can identify the source of the fire quickly.
Mr Rocky Shu, co-founder of Manifold Tech, said the AI model is not only more accurate than human analysis, but also significantly faster, reducing the risk of errors and improving efficiency.
“We did not think about using our tech for fire investigation before this. In future, we hope that it can be used to reduce the risk for front-liners like firefighters, by having it mounted on robots or drones to map out dangerous places,” he said.
US start-up ZeroMark demonstrated an anti-drone attachment for rifles.
The device has a camera unit and a motorised buttstock with joints that automatically adjust to refine the aim.
Equipped with an AI system, the attachment is able to identify and analyse a drone’s flying patterns, pre-aiming at its predicted locations.
Equipped with an AI system, the attachment is able to identify and analyse a drone’s flying patterns, pre-aiming at its predicted locations.ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
Mr Joel Anderson, ZeroMark’s chief executive, described the product as a camera gimbal on a firearm that helps the user stabilise and point the gun.
He said: “In the simplest term, it’s a gun that can’t miss, or rarely misses.”
Drones have been used frequently in warfare in recent times, and may pose significant safety risks in sensitive areas such as airports.
In the field of firearm forensics, US start-up Cadre Research Labs has developed an AI-powered imaging solution that eliminates the need for live test-firing with actual firearms and projectiles, which is time-consuming.
The imaging tool accurately simulates the firing process, enabling faster and safer firearm analysis.
The imaging tool accurately simulates the firing process, enabling faster and safer firearm analysis. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
Hatch’s centre director Mok Shao Hong said the latest demo day showcased the fourth cohort of the open innovation challenge Dimension X.
Since the programme was launched about two years ago, Hatch has received more than 800 applications, with 32 proofs-of-concept completed.
Of these, 12 projects are being further refined, and another two are in the operational trial stage.
Mr Mok said the start-ups that Hatch works with come from multiple sectors, including those in retail, healthcare and gaming.
They are put through rigorous, complex and demanding scenarios based on the Home Team’s operational needs.
He said: “To deep-tech start-ups looking to make an impact in public safety, we invite you to join our programmes and collaborate on actual challenges alongside Home Team end-users.”
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