20 May 2026, Singapore – Certis will work with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) as a designer partner for Singapore’s first multi-operator robotics testbed at Punggol Digital District (PDD).
Announced at ATxSummit 2026, the PDD testbed will provide a live mixed-use environment for companies to research, test and deploy robotics and Physical AI in public spaces. It is expected to launch later in 2026.
Certis is among the initial industry partners that will co-design testbed conditions and explore how commercially viable robotics services can operate safely and effectively in real-world environments.
For Certis, the significance of the testbed lies not simply in deploying robots, but in understanding how robotics, AI systems, frontline teams and command centre operations can work together as part of a coordinated operating model.
Operationalising Physical AI in the real world
Physical AI refers to the use of AI in physical environments, where intelligent systems such as robots, sensors and cameras can perceive, interpret and support action in the real world.
In a live district like PDD, this means testing how robots can operate alongside people, tenants, workers and other service providers in a safe and useful way.
Certis will explore how robotics can support use cases such as security patrol, facilities inspection, cleaning support and incident escalation. These capabilities are intended to complement existing human operations by extending coverage, supporting routine monitoring and enabling frontline teams to focus on higher-value tasks such as supervision, judgement, response and service delivery.
Bringing operational experience into robotics deployment
Certis’ role in the testbed builds on its experience running complex frontline operations across security, facilities management and workforce operations.
Unlike a controlled lab environment, PDD offers real-world complexity. Robots must be able to navigate shared public spaces, operate around people, connect with command centre workflows, and trigger the right human response when needed.
This is where Certis’ operational expertise is critical. The challenge is not only whether a robot can complete a task, but whether it can be safely and reliably integrated into daily operations.
“PDD gives Singapore a valuable environment to test how Physical AI can move from concept to practical deployment,” said Raahul Kumar, Chief Executive, International and Robotics, and Chief Strategy Officer, Certis. “For Certis, the opportunity is to bring together robots, AI systems, frontline officers and command centre operations into a model that supports safer, smarter and more reliable operations.”
The PDD testbed is expected to launch later in 2026. Further details on the trials and use cases will be shared closer to launch.
WATCH: Understand more about PDD here on CNA’s Singapore Tonight.
