Your local bus service has just received an exciting upgrade with the addition of large three-dimensional robotic arms extending from the roof. Developed by the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), these innovative 3D bus advertisements are part of the “School for Innovators” campaign, marking the most intricate bus ads to date. The concept required approximately 600 man-hours for conceptualization, design, and production.
Six buses, servicing routes 39, 107, 174, 74, 196, and 502, will showcase these unique ads. The first set features two substantial robotic arms, each measuring 4.2 meters in length and 0.7 meters in height, fitting onto the bus roof. Another pair of robotic arms is positioned to cover a window and the bus door. The entire 3D installation spans about 6.3 meters, making it three times larger than a typical 3D bus ad and the largest of its kind.
SUTD employs various robotic arms on its campus, including in the Fabrication Lab (Fab Lab), where students use advanced machinery like 3D printers and laser cutting systems to bring their creative ideas to life. The Fab Lab is a pioneering facility in Singapore, housing state-of-the-art equipment under one roof, enabling students to transform ideas into tangible products and innovative solutions.
The second series of bus ads, set to launch on February 8, replicates SUTD’s high-performance two-seater electric race car, created using 3D printing and artificial intelligence technologies. Two large robotic arms are depicted installing tires on each side of the replica.
SUTD’s Chief Communications Officer, Ms. Tammy Tan, describes the campaign as showcasing the university’s departure from traditional concepts, emphasizing hands-on creativity, robotics, and innovative problem-solving. Moove Media, responsible for the project’s production, reports that six fiberglass production experts spent around 28 days on the complex structures, three times longer than typical 3D bus ads.
Mr. Nelson Low, Head of Creative at Moove Media, highlights the challenging nature of fabricating these robotic arms and expresses excitement about successfully completing the project. The intricate details of the robotic arms were captured through 3D printing for mock-ups, with the actual installations crafted in fiberglass for durability.
The 3D bus ad campaign precedes SUTD’s annual Open House, scheduled for February 24 and 25, 2024, on its campus at 8 Somapah Road. Aspiring students interested in joining a university that nurtures hidden talents and fosters innovative thinking can register for the Open House on its microsite starting February 1, 2024. The campus will also feature the actual formula-style electric race car for students to view and experience.
