Jakarta, INTI – Changi Airport is currently testing a new patrol robot that doubles as a personal mobility device (PMD) for officers. This innovative robot, named GIBSON, has been deployed at Terminal 4 and is capable of autonomous patrols while also allowing officers to ride it across long distances within the airport.
GIBSON: A Smart Robot Inspired by Human-Robot Collaboration
GIBSON was jointly developed by the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) and the A*STAR Institute for Infocomm Research. The trial began in early July 2025 and marks a step forward in integrating robotics into daily law enforcement operations. Inspired by the concept of creating “robot companions” for officers, GIBSON is designed to function both autonomously and manually.
HTX engineer Seah Qi Yan from the Centre of Expertise for Robotics, Automation, and Unmanned Systems explained that officers can use GIBSON as a PMD during operations and switch it to autonomous mode when not in use.
E-Hailing and Safety Features Improve Efficiency
One of GIBSON’s standout features is its built-in e-hailing system. Through a secure internal app, officers can call the nearest available robot to their location. Once aboard, they can ride to their destination either manually using a key or automatically, while continuing other tasks on their mobile devices.
In terms of safety, the robot is equipped with obstacle avoidance sensors, cameras, 3D light detection, and sound navigation. GIBSON stops automatically if someone crosses its path and sounds a horn if obstructed intentionally.
Strengthening Airport Patrols
Airport Police Division officer Patrick Pang stated that GIBSON complements current police patrols and increases law enforcement visibility at Changi. Its ride-hailing feature eliminates the need to search for the robot manually and helps streamline patrols without worrying about designated parking.
Standing about chest-height, the robot features handlebars and a platform for the officer to stand on. It operates at a walking pace and is accessible only with a special key, preventing public misuse.
Towards Smarter, More Responsive Robots
Named after Arthur Hugo Cecil Gibson the inventor of the first motorized scooter this is the second police robot at the airport. The first, which could not be ridden, was introduced in April 2023.
HTX’s Seah Qi Yan added that GIBSON marks a leap beyond standard autonomous patrol robots. It aims to dynamically respond to environmental signals and officers’ commands, advancing robotic collaboration in homeland security.
During the media demo on July 16, officers demonstrated how GIBSON can be summoned, boarded, and driven through Terminal 4. SPF and HTX affirmed that the trial is still ongoing, and deployment areas may expand depending on future evaluations.
Conclusion
The innovation of the GIBSON robot at Changi Airport demonstrates how technology can enhance efficiency and mobility in security patrols. With dual capabilities as a PMD (personal mobility device) and an autonomous patrol robot that can be summoned via an e-hailing system, GIBSON serves as a prime example of intelligent robotics applied to large-scale public security. If successful, this technology holds the potential to be adopted in other airports and public spaces in the future.