As Marina Bay lit up to usher in 2025, the SPF leveraged cutting-edge technology to keep the festivities safe and secure. This year, UAVs took centre stage, managing the crowd and enhancing safety.
By: Shavina Sri
In collaboration with the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX), the Singapore Police Force (SPF) deployed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) equipped with advanced AI to monitor crowds this year at the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown!
The UAVs use the Q-Crowd Counter (QCC) tool to analyse live camera feeds and calculate crowd sizes in real time. This data is visualised through heatmaps and point counts, allowing the Police to make quick, informed decisions that ensure safety.
UAVs in Action
Unlike static cameras, UAVs can fly over large areas, offering a wider view of the crowd. This flexibility makes them an invaluable tool in busy, large-scale events like the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown. This year, multiple UAVs were deployed to ensure comprehensive coverage of the Marina Bay area.
Their ability to cover wide stretches of space helps the Police stay ahead of any developing crowd-related issues. Additionally, the UAVs are equipped with spotlights, blinkers and speakers, enabling the Police to broadcast safety messages to the crowd in real time, improving communication with attendees.
Another unique feature of these UAVs is that they can stitch together aerial images as they fly, creating panoramic views of an event. These panoramic images offer a detailed overview of the crowd’s movements and also potential hotspots, which can help to prevent potential incidents.
Seamless Integration with Other Tech Tools
Real-time crowd data gathered by the UAVs was also processed and used to enrich the Crowd@MarinaBay portal. This allows the public to access live updates on crowd levels and area closures, making navigation on the ground easier.
Complementing the UAVs were static Enhanced Mobicams. Equipped with speakers and blinkers, they allowed the Police to broadcast advisories directly to the crowd.
On the ground, LED directional signage provided clear, illuminated directions to help people navigate through the Marina Bay area, especially at night. These tools enhanced the overall flow of people and provided additional layers of safety and guidance.
The SPF’s use of UAVs, along with other innovative tech tools, played a crucial role in ensuring a safe and smooth celebration. As the clock struck midnight and fireworks lit up the sky, the SPF’s commitment to public safety was evident, proving that technology and teamwork can keep large events safe for all.
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