MIT and Singapore's SUTD launch International Design Centre
The Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUBD) is making significant strides in improving conditions in developing countries through a series of cutting-edge projects and initiatives. One of their recent collaborations is with BlueSG, a Singaporean company, to explore the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in developing countries.
The pilot project, which will focus on India, aims to assess the cost-effectiveness, environmental benefits, and user acceptance of EVs in rickshaw operations. If successful, it could lead to wider adoption of EVs in rickshaw operations across South Asia, thereby reducing pollution and improving energy efficiency.
SUBD's mission extends beyond EVs. The university is actively engaged in design with the developing world, sustainable built environments, and ICT-enabled devices for education. They offer the world’s first curriculum combining design and artificial intelligence (AI), nurturing innovation that improves contemporary life through smarter designs for better living and sustainability.
Research at SUTD includes bioinspired structures created with 3D printing technologies optimized to improve performance in robotics and wearable tech. They have also developed a monocopter robot inspired by seed dispersal, emphasizing efficiency and novel design in small flying robots.
A notable project in collaboration with the Singapore Management University involves AI and drone technology to enhance national swimmers' performance by analyzing stroke patterns in real-time. This project illustrates an ICT-driven approach to better living through health and sport monitoring.
SUBD's researchers are also advancing the study of quantum transport via superconducting qubit processors, which can have implications for future ICT devices and systems.
The university's participation in major design events, such as Singapore Design Week 2025, further promotes these ideas. Exhibitions like "Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION" explore how design improves life, alongside community design activities supporting a culture of innovation.
Although direct information specifically about projects under the label "Design with the Developing World" is limited, the overall emphasis of SUTD on socially impactful design, sustainability, and smart integrated technologies suggests alignment with such goals. Their initiatives demonstrate an intersection of sustainable design, advanced technology, and AI-enabled solutions focused on improving quality of life and environmental sustainability.
In addition to EVs, SUBD is also working on enhancing human performance in individual daily problems, particularly in health care and aids for the elderly. They are collaborating with partners in developing countries to help rickshaw operators in South Asia use electric propulsion systems for cost-effectiveness and less pollution.
The partnership between SUBD and BlueSG is an example of how public-private partnerships can help address global challenges such as climate change and sustainable development. It underscores SUBD's broader mission to improve conditions in developing countries through technology and innovation.
- Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUBD) is conducting research on bioinspired structures with 3D printing technologies, aiming to improve performance in robotics and wearable tech.
- SUTD is offering the world’s first curriculum combining design and artificial intelligence (AI), nurturing innovation that improves contemporary life through smarter designs for better living and sustainability.
- SUTD's researchers are advancing the study of quantum transport via superconducting qubit processors, which can have implications for future ICT devices and systems.
- A notable project at SUTD involves AI and drone technology to enhance national swimmers' performance by analyzing stroke patterns in real-time.
- SUTD's mission extends beyond EVs, focusing on design with the developing world, sustainable built environments, and ICT-enabled devices for education.
- If successful, the pilot project with BlueSG could lead to wider adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in rickshaw operations across South Asia, thereby reducing pollution and improving energy efficiency.
- The university is actively engaged in design with the developing world, with initiatives demonstrating an intersection of sustainable design, advanced technology, and AI-enabled solutions focused on improving quality of life and environmental sustainability.
- SUTD is collaborating with partners in developing countries to help rickshaw operators in South Asia use electric propulsion systems for cost-effectiveness and less pollution.
- SUTD's participation in major design events, such as Singapore Design Week 2025, further promotes these ideas, exploring how design improves life and supporting a culture of innovation.
- The partnership between SUBD and BlueSG is an example of how public-private partnerships can help address global challenges such as climate change and sustainable development, underscoring SUTD's broader mission to improve conditions in developing countries through technology and innovation.
