Nvidia Opens Singapore Research Center for Embodied AI

Nvidia announced on May 20 that it will open its first research center in Singapore focused on developing embodied AI. The company plans to collaborate with local universities, companies, and government agencies to improve AI infrastructure efficiency. Singapore's government is also planning to launch a testbed later in 2026 that will allow firms to design and validate commercial AI robots, with Certis, DHL, Grab, and QuikBot expected to be among the first users. The announcement was made at the opening of ATxSummit.

Research Center and Partnerships

Nvidia's new research center extends the company's existing work in Singapore. The initiative brings together the local AI community, officials from Singapore's National AI Office, and executives from partner organizations including Certis, a Singapore-based security services company.

The research center's focus on AI infrastructure aligns with Nvidia's broader strategy to build national-scale AI infrastructure and AI factories.

Singapore Robotics Testbed and Applications

Singapore's government will launch a testbed in late 2026 for commercial AI robot design and validation. The government will also run trials through a new Center for Intelligent Robotics in partnership with Slamtec, Unitree, and QuikBot. These trials will cover food and parcel delivery, cleaning, and security patrols.

Singapore's AI Governance Role

Singapore's government approach extends beyond funding individual projects. The government brings together companies, universities, and public-sector organizations while setting national AI direction. This work is guided by Singapore's National AI Strategy, which was announced in 2019. If launched as planned, the robotics testbed will provide companies such as Grab and DHL with a pathway from research to commercial validation.