In Singapore's vibrant higher education landscape, the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) stands out for its forward-thinking approach to robotics and AI-powered design. Recently featured in CNA's 'Made in SG' series and sponsoring the Tech Wars documentary, SUTD's programmes are gaining significant attention. As the world's first Design·AI university, SUTD integrates artificial intelligence (AI) – systems that mimic human intelligence to perform tasks like learning and problem-solving – with design principles to create human-centric innovations. This focus addresses Singapore's need for tech talent, with projections of 10,000 new AI-related jobs in the coming years, aligning with the nation's Smart Nation initiative.

SUTD's Distinctive Role in Singapore Higher Education

Founded in 2009, SUTD is Singapore's fourth autonomous university, emphasizing interdisciplinary learning across pillars like Information Systems Technology and Design (ISTD), Engineering Systems and Design (ESD), and the dedicated Design and Artificial Intelligence (DAI) pillar. Unlike traditional programmes at National University of Singapore (NUS) or Nanyang Technological University (NTU), which often prioritize theoretical foundations, SUTD adopts a project-based, hands-on model inspired by MIT. This prepares students for real-world challenges in robotics – the field of designing, building, and operating robots – and AI-driven design.

SUTD's global rankings reflect its strengths: QS World University Rankings 2026 places it at #519 overall, with top positions in Art & Design (#151) and Engineering subjects. Employability remains robust, with 91.5% of 2025 graduates securing jobs within six months, and a median gross salary of $4,900 – higher than the national average for fresh graduates.

The Bachelor of Science in Design and Artificial Intelligence (DAI)

Launched in 2020 and supercharged in recent years, the DAI programme equips students to thrive in human-AI-machine ecosystems. Spanning 3.5 to 4 years, it blends design thinking – a methodology for solving problems creatively and user-focused – with AI fundamentals like machine learning algorithms that enable computers to improve from data.

Students select tracks such as Embodied AI (integrating AI into physical robots), Human-Centred AI (prioritizing user experience), Analytics & AI in Operations, and Security & AI. Capstone projects exemplify this: one team prototyped an electric vehicle (EV) dashboard in 12 weeks, while another developed ParkFinder, an AI tool recommending optimal parking spots using real-time data.

From 2026, DAI expands with Master Classes for current students, offering apprenticeships in AI operating environments. The programme's accreditation by industry leaders ensures graduates are industry-ready, with eight in ten DAI alumni earning over $5,000 monthly.

Master of Technology and Design in Robotics and Automation

For postgraduates, the one-year full-time Master of Technology and Design (MTD) in Robotics & Automation balances design thinking, core robotics (kinematics, dynamics, motion planning), and emerging tech like AI controls. Students tackle industry-driven projects in labs equipped with advanced hardware and simulations.

Curriculum highlights include Intelligent Robotics (30.119), covering robot mechanisms and controls, and Robotics System Design & Development, culminating in deployment-ready prototypes. Graduates pursue roles like Robotics Software Engineer or Autonomous Systems Engineer, capitalizing on Singapore's growing automation sector in manufacturing and healthcare.Learn more about the MTD programme.

Recent Spotlights: CNA Features and Tech Wars

CNA's spotlight in early 2026 showcased SUTD's programmes through interviews with Chief Strategy and Design AI Officer Poon King Wang and student R Anieyrudh. The segment highlighted Smorphi, a modular robot for rapid prototyping, used in beach clean-ups and competitions. SUTD's sponsorship of CNA's Tech Wars series, premiering February 21, 2026, delves into global AI-robotics rivalries, positioning SUTD as a key player.

Student Innovations Driving Real-World Impact

SUTD students excel in projects blending robotics and AI. Smorphi starred in RoboRoarZ Singapore 2026, drawing 380+ participants from seven Asian countries for challenges like obstacle navigation and AI-based hospitality tasks (e.g., detecting messy beds via image analysis). Other feats include Sand-E, a beach-cleaning robot; soft robotics for delicate tasks; and AI underwater drones mapping coral reefs in minutes.

InspireCon 2026 displayed AI-generated Peranakan storefronts and GrabFood delivery simulations, demonstrating cultural and operational applications. These projects foster entrepreneurship, with alumni founding startups like LionsBot for cleaning robots.

Research Excellence and Faculty Leadership

SUTD's faculty, over 25% in Stanford's top 2% scientists list, drive breakthroughs. FORMAS.AI software turns sketches into architectural renders, used by 2,000+ globally. The Design Brain project advances AI spatial reasoning, while collaborations with Changi General Hospital use machine learning for 90% accurate hearing aids. Professor Eva Castro's AI visualizations aid coastal resilience, and PhD candidate Daryl Ho pioneers XR for human-AI design collaboration.Explore SUTD's AI design innovations.

Strategic Partnerships and High Employability

SUTD's Global Design Alliance links with MIT, Tsinghua, and LASALLE for exchanges. Industry ties with Grab and Gardens by the Bay yield projects like AI mood cues for classrooms. The 2025 Graduate Employment Survey shows 89.6% employment rate, with CS & Design at $5,000 median salary – outperforming peers amid a cautious market.

AI Integration Across the Curriculum from 2026

A landmark move: SUTD embeds Design AI in all first-year (Freshmore) terms from 2026, spanning science, tech, entrepreneurship, and humanities. This ensures every student gains AI literacy, addressing ethical concerns like bias and job displacement through human-centred approaches.

Outreach and Competitions like RoboRoarZ

RoboRoarZ, launched 2023 by Assoc Prof Mohan Rajesh Elara, aims for 10-country expansion by 2026. Winners from NUS, polytechnics, and schools highlight its STEM appeal, using Smorphi for autonomous tasks.

Comparison with NUS and NTU

While NUS and NTU offer strong AI MSc programmes, SUTD's design integration sets it apart for human-centric robotics. NTU's EEE emphasizes hardware; SUTD prioritizes interdisciplinary prototyping, suiting Singapore's innovation economy.

Future Outlook and Singapore's Tech Ecosystem

With RIE2030 investments, SUTD's $50m Design AI push and events like AI Research Day position it to lead. Graduates bolster Singapore's AI Strategy 2.0, fostering ethical tech for manufacturing, healthcare, and sustainability. As demand surges, SUTD's model promises versatile innovators.

For those eyeing careers, SUTD alumni thrive in high-demand fields. Explore opportunities in Singapore's higher ed tech scene.

Photo by Possessed Photography on Unsplash