Hot on the heels of the recent announcement by Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing that the Scale-up SG programme will be enhanced to provide more support for promising, high-growth companies. During the press briefing, he had also highlighted PBA and HMI as two such companies who saw synergies to partner each other during this pandemic to capture new opportunities - collaborating to roll out PBA’s UV mobile robots in HMI’s hospitals in Malaysia. We are delighted to announce PBA has deployed the first Made-In-Singapore UV disinfecting mobile robots - Sunburst UV bot – at two of HMI’s hospitals in Southern Malaysia, Regency Specialist Hospital in Iskandar Johor and Mahkota Medical Centre in Melaka, to combat COVID-19. Regency is the first hospital in Southern Malaysia to adopt this technology by PBA. The partnership between the two companies was fostered through the Scale-up SG programme by Enterprise Singapore (ESG). When the pandemic hit, PBA and HMI leveraged their existing relationship and complementary offerings, to deploy the Sunburst UV Bots which PBA was already developing. The Autonomous Mobile Robots perform disinfecting more systematically and effectively, while ensuring the safety of frontline staff, as well as relieving the strain on labour resources. As featured on:

1. Astro Awani
2. The Iskandarian
3. Malaysia Healthcare

Please read the press release below for more information. Singapore, 16 September 2020 - PBA Group (“PBA Robotics”) and HMI Group (“HMI”) today announced their collaboration which sees PBA deploy the first made-in-Singapore UV-disinfecting autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) – called Sunburst UV Bots – at two of HMI’s hospitals in Southern Malaysia to combat COVID-19. The two HMI hospitals are Regency Specialist Hospital (“Regency”) in Iskandar Johor and Mahkota Medical Centre (“Mahkota”) in Melaka. Regency is the first hospital in Southern Malaysia to adopt this technology by PBA; a regional robotics and automation leader headquartered in Singapore; to ensure patient and public safety amidst the pandemic. The Sunburst UV Bots are built with an ultraviolet-C light module emitting powerful UV-C rays, which is clinically proven to kill 99.99% of bacteria and viruses. These AMRs automate the disinfecting process, moving autonomously after the mapping of their environment is completed. Using data from cameras, built-in sensors and proprietary software, the AMRs can detect, navigate and adapt to changes in their environments, as well as map out and identify the most efficient routes such as in common areas, corridors, wards, and other facilities in the hospital. The partnership between the two companies was fostered through the Scale-up SG programme by Enterprise Singapore (ESG). Both companies were part of the inaugural run of the programme, which aims to groom future global champions who can contribute significantly to Singapore’s economy and create good jobs for Singaporeans. Scale-up SG provided opportunities for participating companies such as PBA and HMI to network, interact and build rapport among the business leaders. When the pandemic hit, PBA and HMI leveraged their existing relationship and complementary offerings, to deploy the Sunburst UV Bots which PBA was already developing. The AMRs perform disinfecting more systematically and effectively, while ensuring the safety of frontline staff, as well as relieving the strain on labour resources. At the same time, the Sunburst UV bot is also equipped with safety measures - it is programmed to be able to detect when people are too near and shut off its lamp. While in operation disinfecting a room or area, the robot will automatically turn off the UV lamps if the door is opened before its disinfection cycle is over. “We are excited to be working with HMI Group to bring our technology to the hospitals. Our partnership was made possible through Scale-Up SG; this platform helped us discover an opportunity to collaborate and meet our common goal of combatting the virus by rolling out the Sunburst UV Bots to hospitals in Malaysia. By combining our existing technologies in AMRs together with disinfecting technologies, we are able to ensure safety of frontline workers, patients and the public in healthcare facilities,” said Mr Derrick Yap, Chief Executive Officer of PBA Robotics. This collaboration with HMI represents part of a broader effort by PBA to leverage its tech and resources to battle COVID-19, with plans already underway to roll out more of the Sunburst UV Bots across other sectors, including public and private healthcare, transport, retail; other shopping malls and supermarkets, as well as commercial spaces, and other markets in the region. This follows the launch of Sunburst earlier in May. “As a leading Robotics Tech company in the region, this move in Malaysia represents PBA’s latest effort in our comprehensive plan to help neighbouring countries in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. We have received overwhelming interest in the UV Bots from companies in various industries and markets,” added Mr Yap. Ms Chin Wei Jia, Group Chief Executive Officer of HMI said: “We are determined to do our part to protect lives and provide our patients with the highest quality healthcare in the safest way possible. Our partnership with PBA Group has enabled us to be first movers in introducing the latest robotics disinfecting technology in Malaysia, as part of our hospitals’ comprehensive infection control and management plan to combat Covid-19. At HMI, we are committed to improving the wellbeing of our communities and solving complex healthcare challenges by leveraging technological advancements.” Participating in ESG’s Scaleup programme enables HMI to build capabilities to pursue innovative and compelling new business models. “Combining partners’ deep expertise in value creation, innovation and networks, we find that spread of knowledge, technology and cross border network addresses the current market needs for healthcare innovation and strategies to mitigate accelerating complexities in overseas markets,” she added. This is particularly true in light of COVID-19, resulting in a multitude of challenges such as labour shortages, health risks, and unpredictable fluctuations in demand. Mr Ted Tan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Singapore, said: “The cross-industry collaboration between PBA Group and HMI Group is a good example of the positive progress made by the Scale-up SG programme, in fostering a community of driven business leaders who are open to learn from one another and grow their businesses together. It also demonstrates that there are still opportunities for our local businesses amid the dampened business sentiments, if they are willing to work together and leverage each other’s strengths to jointly seek out new growth prospects.” The Sunburst UV Bot is the latest addition to PBA’s suite of AMRs, the first made-in-Singapore mobile robots, which are designed, developed and manufactured in-house by the robotics company. Using proprietary technology, the mobile robots’ capabilities are harnessed from an enormous volume of data collected from a fleet of hundreds of robots already deployed in the field by PBA over the years since. Studies have found that COVID-19 virus stays in the air for hours and can travel up to 4m; when the droplets of the virus are so fine, they become suspended. UV-disinfection eliminates airborne virus, and hence, the Sunburst UV Bot, which has its disinfection efficacy officially verified, is much more effective compared to the use of manual labour for cleaning and spraying of disinfectant solutions which only disinfect surfaces, but is ineffective against airborne transmission.

As featured on:

1. Business Times
2. Berita Harian

Welcome to PBA, Amrin Amin! We are delighted to introduce a new member of the PBA Group, Mr Amrin Amin, to be our Strategic Director. He spoke to ST on his personal journey, his experience, and his latest move in Tech. A new adventure awaits! One of the key focuses of Amrin will be leading the growth of RACE Robotics, our Robotics & Automation Training Platform, and establishing the overall strategic business directions. A familiar face to many Singaporeans and one who is passionate about the community, Amrin will bring a lot of values to the Group and together, will assist to propel the Group to be a more prominent leader in the industry.We are looking forward to an exciting time with you onboard, Amrin!

As featured on:

1. Business Times

Our UV-disinfecting Autonomous Mobile Robot, Sunburst UV Bot, were recognised by Business Times for its innovative way to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. We are so proud of our team for pulling this off in such a short notice in response to the COVID-19 situation while we continue to drive robotics development in the region. The AMRs are currently deployed in retail malls, hospitals, testing labs in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. PM or email us [email protected] to deploy Sunburst at your facility!             Infographic by Business Times

As featured on:

1. Lianhe Zaobao

Age shouldn’t be a barrier for you to upskill and pursue a meaningful career. Recognising the rise of Robotics & Automation, Daniel upgraded himself and landed a 3 month attachment as a field application engineer with us where he deployed our Sunburst UV Bots and GoldenRetriever AMRs in malls, hospitals and more facilities. Thanks for being an inspiration to us all! And well done RACE Robotics in assisting talents acquire industry-relevant skills to improve their employability as they venture into new career paths and building the ecosystem. Read more of his story in the link. [caption id="attachment_2261" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Daniel sharing with Senior Minister Tharman about Sunburst UV Bot[/caption] Together, we Go Make A Difference. Go MAD!  

As featured on:

1. Economic Development Board

As a tech enabler, we aren't just innovating for the now, but for the future of humanity.   We are proud to be able to Go Make A Difference with our Sunburst UV Bots and help curb the spread of Covid-19 by disinfecting commercial spaces while protecting frontline staff. In most cases previously, our Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) have been deployed in factories and warehouses but having built a mobile robotic platform has enabled us to quickly innovate to react to the pandemic. We're also thrilled to be featured beside some of the most innovative companies in Singapore in the fight against the coronavirus! We will get through this together!

As featured on:

1. The Business Times

During tough times like this, KAZE parent group, PBA Robotics is happy to partake in the SMU SGUnited Skills Business and Digital Transformation Programme, a result of a partnership between SkillsFuture SG, Singapore Management University, and eight industry leaders from various sectors. We are proud to stand with fellow Singaporeans to protect livelihoods and reskill for the future. Check out some of the support available for those keen to chart a career in Robotics & Automation. For jobseekers, do check out our My Careers Future page - https://lnkd.in/gAkY6sU For those planning to upskill and reskill to make a career switch into R&A, we would recommend RACE Robotics Reskilling & Attachment Programme that was launched as part of the SkillsConnect SGUnited Skills Enterprise Base Training Programme here.

As featured on:

1. Berita Harian

Age is not a barrier to upskill and seek a meaningful career in Robotics & Automation (R&A)!  At 53, Solman returned to the classroom to learn Robotics and Automation with RACE Robotics after seeing the importance of it in his previous employment. Halfway through the training, Singapore went into Circuit Breaker mode. Classes were held virtually and enjoying a cup of teh tarik with his classmates was no longer possible. Solman was then attached to our Sunburst Programme as a Field Application Engineer as part of the Attach-and-Train Programme, deploying the Autonomous Mobile Robots at retail malls and hospitals. He even had the chance to present the tech to Manpower Minister, Josephine Teo, during her recent learning journey. Check out his story, as Solman shares how he went to Go Make A Difference against Covid-19.

As featured on:

1. The Straits Times
2. Berita Harian

It was an honour to host Manpower Minister Josephine Teo for the learning journey and fireside chat with the RACE talents at PBA. The Minister even had the chance to learn how fast operators can learn to deploy the Sunburst UV Bots within the short period of time. PBA were especially proud of our education platform RACE Robotics for their work in building up the talent ecosystem in Singapore and training Robotics and Automation #talents that are breaking boundaries and ready to Go Make A Difference with a hands-on and holistic education.   In addition, as part of the #SGUnitedTraineeships Programme, PBA is proud to provide opportunities for fresh graduates to acquire valuable industry-relevant experience and Make A Difference. To find out more and apply, click here.

As featured on:

1. ABC News Good Morning America

UV lights has been used to disinfect for a number of years. Our UV-C light can exterminate 99.99% of virus and bacteria and protects users with built-in safety features. Autonomous Mobile Robots such, as the Sunburst UV bots, automates processes that’s "dangerous, dull and dirty". Suitable for use in many different facilities - retail malls, healthcare facilities, hotels, conference halls & many others, email us at [email protected] to find out more.