Gardens by the Bay is taking significant steps to improve accessibility for visitors with disabilities, announcing plans for a robot guide dog service and an AI-powered headset designed to enhance the experience within its iconic Flower Dome. These initiatives, unveiled on March 22, aim to empower individuals with visual and sensory sensitivities to explore the gardens with greater independence and confidence.
The advancements come as part of a broader effort to make Singapore’s public spaces more inclusive, with Gardens by the Bay serving as a testing ground for fresh accessibility technologies. National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat highlighted the potential of these tools to “empower visitors to experience its spaces with greater autonomy and confidence,” speaking at an event recognizing the contributions of volunteers and partners of the Gardens’ community outreach program.
The robot guide dog, developed by local company RoamAssist, is slated to be available by the third quarter of 2026. Equipped with a handle for guidance, the robot will navigate visitors through the Flower Dome, providing audio descriptions of key plant life and instructions for using tactile guidebooks. It is also programmed to detect and avoid obstacles, ensuring a safe and smooth journey.
Alongside the robotic assistance, a wearable AI-powered headset, developed by start-up AiSee, is in the works. Testing and development are scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2027. The headset will utilize cloud-based artificial intelligence to identify plants within the Flower Dome when prompted by voice command, relaying information to the user through audio descriptions. This technology builds upon existing sensory tours that Gardens by the Bay has been piloting since 2024, which already incorporate tactile guidebooks, descriptive language from trained guides, and real plant samples.
Robot Guide Dog Tested by Visually Impaired Visitor
Mr. Ong Boon Keat, a 45-year-classic visually impaired individual, had the opportunity to test the robot guide dog on March 22. “In the past, without all these gadgets, I had to rely on family or a volunteer guide through the whole experience,” he explained. “But with this, (people with visual disabilities) can enjoy the tour on their own… The dog can not only lead me to the garden that I want, but it can also narrate and describe the plant to me.” Mr. Ong, a frequent visitor to Gardens by the Bay with his family, expressed hope that the technology could be extended to everyday situations, such as commuting or visiting the gym.
The development of both the robot guide dog and the AI-powered headset is being supported by the Enabling Lives Initiative Grant, funded by the Tote Board and managed by SG Enable, a national disability agency. Since 2025, over 1,000 youth have volunteered with Gardens by the Bay, contributing to programs like sensory tours and befriending activities. The attraction has also partnered with Youth Corps Singapore to engage 3,000 youth volunteers by 2028.
Sensory Map to Aid Visitors with Autism
In addition to these initiatives, Gardens by the Bay will launch an online sensory map in June, co-developed with St Andrew’s Autism Centre. This map will identify potential sensory stressors – such as noise, light, and smells – in different areas of the Gardens at various times of the day, allowing visitors with autism and their caregivers to plan their visits accordingly.
These efforts align with Singapore’s Enabling Masterplan 2030, a national roadmap launched in 2022 to support individuals with disabilities and promote their inclusion in society. Gardens by the Bay CEO Felix Loh emphasized the organization’s commitment to accessibility, stating, “As a People’s Garden, we believe nature should be accessible to all. By leveraging technologies such as AI to support greater independence for persons with disabilities, we hope to create a more inclusive society where everyone feels welcomed and empowered.”
The accessibility improvements are occurring as Gardens by the Bay prepares for expansion, with the 5-hectare Wetlands by the Bay slated to open in stages beginning at the complete of 2028. The Gardens welcomed approximately 16 million visitors in 2025.
As Gardens by the Bay continues to evolve, these technological advancements represent a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and accessible experience for all visitors. The ongoing development and refinement of these tools will be crucial in ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Singapore’s renowned gardens.
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