SINGAPORE — An exoskeleton capable of allowing its wearer to be physically superior may sound like a comic superhero’s suit, but the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) is setting its sights to develop this technology that will “push the boundaries of (its) operational capabilities”.

If successful, the SCDF could well be the first firefighting unit in the world to use these high-tech suits, which are essentially “wearable machines” powered by motors and servos that enhance the user’s strength and endurance.

Collaborating with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on this project, the SCDF is hoping that the new technology will support its personnel in firefighting, rescue and medical operations. 

For example, the increase in strength and endurance for the wearer will come in useful when rescuers need to carry casualties during missions, such as at earthquake-stricken zones.

The exoskeleton was unveiled at the annual SCDF Workplan Seminar on Friday (May 6) at ITE College East. It is still in the early stages of development and the team is looking at making it light enough and adding oxygen tanks for the user.

Mr Eric Yap, Commissioner of the SCDF, said at the seminar that the defence force sees innovation as a powerful strategy “to help achieve outcomes that are often beyond conventional means”.

Apart from the exoskeleton, the seminar also showcased a few new vehicles.

There is the Fire & Rescue Operations Support Tender (Frost), designed to integrate the features of two existing support vehicles, the Breathing Apparatus Tender and the Damage Control Tender. Frost combines the capabilities of the two and has ventilation equipment, breathing apparatus and search equipment, among other features. 

The vehicle is expected to be launched this June, and should halve the manpower — from eight people to four — needed to operate it.

The SCDF also introduced the Mass Decontamination Vehicle (MDV), an upgrade of the current Personnel Decontamination Vehicle. 

Primarily for situations involving hazardous materials, the MDV will provide more efficient decontamination than its predecessor, with extra decontamination lanes and modern shower cubicles.

The MDV can also provide transportation for casualties, personnel and equipment, and is expected to roll out in June next year.

Apart from these two new models, the new-generation SCDF ambulance was also showcased.

Designed with components that allow more efficient operation, the ambulance will boast a rumbler siren that, when activated, will emit low-frequency sound waves for about 15 seconds, causing nearby vehicles around it to feel vibrations, so that they can give way to it in traffic. 

The ambulance, which will hit the roads next year, incorporates an ergonomic interior workstation that will give paramedics easier access to medical equipment. Paramedics will also have greater accessibility to the patient via a hydraulic platform that gives them more control over the height of the stretcher.