Singapore will host ROSCon 2025, marking the first time this prestigious global robotics conference will take place in the country since the event began in 2012. This announcement highlights Singapore's growing influence in the robotics and automation sector, as the city-state continues to be a hub for technological innovation.
Organised by Open Robotics, the event is supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)'s Advanced Remanufacturing Technology Centre (ARTC), and Singapore's National Robotics Programme (NRP). The conference is expected to attract around 1,000 international delegates, who will engage with Singapore's dynamic robotics community.
Singapore's leadership in robotics innovation
ROSCon, an annual event for the Robot Operating System (ROS) community, brings together developers and researchers to share the latest advancements, discuss innovations, and explore applications of robotics in various industries. The conference features technical talks, workshops, and networking opportunities, with a focus on the use of ROS in robotics and automation development.
Singapore has already positioned itself as a leader in the global robotics scene. As the home of the ROS-Industrial Consortium Asia Pacific, managed by A*STAR's ARTC since 2017, Singapore plays a crucial role in advancing robotics technology, particularly in manufacturing. The consortium integrates advanced ROS capabilities into manufacturing systems, developing intelligent solutions, reducing costs, and upskilling the workforce in ROS technologies.
Additionally, Singapore was the birthplace of the Open Robotics Middleware Framework (Open-RMF), developed in collaboration with Open Robotics and the Centre for Healthcare Assistive & Robotics Technology. Funded by NRP, Open-RMF is an open-source, modular system that enables different fleets of robots and physical infrastructure, such as lifts and doors, to operate together seamlessly. Since its introduction by former Health Minister Gan Kim Yong in 2018, Open-RMF has been deployed in various facilities, including hospitals and nursing homes across Singapore.
NRP joins the Open Source Robotics Alliance
Singapore's National Robotics Programme (NRP) has also announced its membership in the Open Source Robotics Alliance (OSRA), a global network that includes leading companies like Nvidia, Qualcomm, and Silicon Valley Robotics. This membership underlines Singapore's commitment to supporting open-source robotics software, such as the widely used platforms ROS, Gazebo, and Open-RMF.
The OSRA manages the financial health and development of these open-source projects, and Singapore's involvement reflects its dedication to advancing open-source robotics. Professor Quek Tong Boon, Chief Executive of NRP, said, “We are excited to welcome the global robotics community to Singapore for ROSCon 2025. This is a valuable opportunity to share experiences and best practices and explore how ROS and ROS-enabled technologies can benefit both society and the economy.”
The NRP's new membership in the OSRA will also allow Singapore to collaborate more closely with international robotics leaders, ensuring that the country remains at the cutting edge of innovation. Professor Quek added, “By working alongside industry leaders, we are not only supporting the development of critical robotics platforms like ROS, but also ensuring that Singapore remains at the forefront of robotics innovation. This collaboration strengthens our technical capabilities, fosters knowledge exchange, and helps drive advancements that will benefit industries and society on a global scale.”
Dr David Low, Chief Executive Officer of A*STAR ARTC, shared similar enthusiasm about hosting the event, stating, “Having ROSCon 2025 in Singapore is a significant milestone for both the global ROS community and our region. This event presents an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and explore how ROS can further enhance industries such as manufacturing and logistics, both in Singapore and globally.”
Vanessa Yamzon Orsi, Chief Executive Officer of Open Robotics, also praised Singapore's leadership in robotics innovation, saying, “We at Open Robotics are thrilled to bring ROSCon 2025 to Singapore. We have witnessed first-hand the earnest desire of their technology agencies and leaders to bring robotics to the next level, not just in their country but all across the globe.”
With Singapore set to host ROSCon 2025, the event promises to be a significant moment in the global robotics landscape, further solidifying the nation's reputation as a leader in technological innovation.
