Drone cleaning system for HDB blocks draws mixed reactions from netizens

The sight of a drone cleaning the side of an HDB block has gained traction online, drawing mixed reactions from netizens.

The initiative is part of a Ministry of National Development (MND) trial to explore the use of technology for high-risk activities in the built environment sector, such as using drones to wash the exteriors of HDB flats.

On Oct 11, Minister for National Development Sun Xueling shared the initiative on her Facebook page, explaining that traditional methods like gondolas pose significant risks for workers.

The new initiative was trialled at Block 271D Punggol Walk, on the morning of Oct 11. Residents were notified of the trial on Oct 6, and were advised to close their windows and draw their curtains as it involved the use of water pressure and dissolvents.

"As this is a trial, I will look at the results of the cleaning, resident feedback and also cost of deploying such technology before proceeding further." said Ms Sun.

Mixed reactions at drone sighting

A video of the drone was posted on TikTok account singaporehappenings on Oct 13, garnering over 161,100 views and 280 comments at press time.

Some netizens were amused at the sight, while others welcomed the move, saying it could make cleaning work safer.

"This is a very dangerous job. It's good to have this to replace the cleaners," one netizen observed.

Others were more sceptical about the drone's effectiveness.

"Pressure not enough to remove the dirt, psychologically giving you the feeling it's been washed," one user commented, while another netizen called it a "money wasting project".

One raised privacy concerns, while others noted that the drone appeared to spray water onto air-conditioning condenser units, which could risk damaging the fans.