News
Singapore Tourism Board launches AI-powered robodog guides at Sentosa and the Mandai Wildlife Reserve in partnership with Mafengwo
17 April 2026
MEDIA RELEASE
Singapore, 17 April 2026 – The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has launched an innovative robodog pilot programme at Sentosa Sensoryscape as well as Exploria and Curiosity Cove at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, partnering with China-based travel platform Mafengwo to introduce AI-powered, multilingual visitor guides that transform how visitors explore Singapore's attractions.
The robodogs leverage artificial intelligence and Mafengwo's travel content ecosystem to deliver, curated storytelling, and real-time visitor assistance in English and Mandarin during this one-month pilot. This innovative and dynamic approach caters to Singapore's diverse international audience while providing an engaging and intuitive visitor experience. The pilot is aligned with STB’s strategy to leverage technology to enhance the visitor experience and drive industry innovation.
Enhanced Experiences at Sentosa and Mandai Wildlife Reserve
On Sentosa, guests will be able to be accompanied by the robodogs and discover interesting stories about Sentosa Sensoryscape, a green connector linking Resorts World Sentosa to the island’s golden beaches. During the guided tour, the robodogs will converse with guests in English and Mandarin to learn more about them and recommend nearby Sentosa attractions and places of interest, based on their travel preferences. Guests can also enjoy a special dance performance by the five robodogs, three times a day. The robodogs will don stylish outfits that complement the dance performance, adding to the vibrancy of the experience.
Guests will be able to book a slot for this exclusive experience via the Sentosa website, Sentosa Ticketing Counters, or via the Sentosa WeChat Mini Programme. Apart from the interactive guided tours, guests can also enjoy special meet-and-greet sessions throughout the day, to interact and snap a photo with the robodogs. The robodogs will also engage guests who are waiting for attractions across the island, including Wings of Time Fireworks Symphony and Skyline Luge Singapore, to share more about Sentosa and recommend offerings. These experiences are examples of new concepts and events that take place on Sentosa each year, allowing guests to make continued discoveries on the island, on every visit.
At the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, the robodogs will be deployed across its two new indoor attractions – Exploria, a 10,000sqm nature-themed immersive multimedia experience, and Curiosity Cove, a 4,600sqm nature-inspired playscape for children and families. Across both attractions, guests can catch the robodogs in action as they perform a range of playful moves, from friendly waves to energetic stunts like somersaults. The robodogs will make surprise appearances within Exploria’s Our Interconnected World, the central hub of the attraction, creating memorable photo moments for guests. At Curiosity Cove, they will take on a more interactive role, greeting guests together with the Ranger Buddies crew.
“The pilots in Sentosa and the Mandai Wildlife Reserve mark an exciting step towards reimagining visitor experiences through technology and innovation,” said Oliver Chong, Assistant Chief Executive International Group, Singapore Tourism Board. “Through our collaboration with Mafengwo, we look forward to continue delivering more personalised, engaging and differentiated experiences that set Singapore apart.”
Both pilot partners expressed enthusiasm for the pilot’s potential to transform the visitor experience.
Mr Michael Ma, Assistant Chief Executive (Business & Digital Technology Group), Sentosa Development Corporation, said, “At Sentosa, we are constantly exploring innovative ways to elevate the guest journey as part of our Smart Sentosa strategy. Sentosa Sensoryscape is a multi-sensorial green connector designed to engage our natural senses. Introducing these Sentosa Robodogs as a multilingual guide adds a new dimension of interactivity and wonder. Beyond leveraging Sentosa as a testbed for novel ideas, we will continue to push the boundaries of immersive experiences, continually innovating to create memorable moments for our guests.”
Ms Jean Choi, Chief Sales Officer, Mandai Wildlife Group, said, “Exploria and Curiosity Cove were designed to immerse and delight our guests in ways that feel personal and memorable. The robodogs are a perfect example of technology used to enhance that – bringing a fun and functional dimension to the experience, whether by guiding guests through our indoor attractions, adding a touch of surprise and delight, or offering a more personalised experience for each guest. We are excited to be piloting this at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve and look forward to seeing how this new layer of interaction enriches the visitor experience.”
This pilot is made possible through STB’s longstanding partnership with Mafengwo, a leading tech partner specialising in providing smart tourism solutions in China. Mafengwo’s expertise has been instrumental in developing the integration and functionality of the robodogs for this trial.
Mr Chen Gang, Chief Executive Officer, Mafengwo, said, “We are excited to partner with STB, Sentosa and Mandai Wildlife Group to bring this innovation to life. By combining our AI capabilities with rich travel content, we aim to create more intuitive, personalised and inspiring ways for travellers to discover destinations.”
This pilot will provide valuable insights into visitor preferences and technology performance, for future deployments that could extend beyond tourism to educational and learning applications.
Visitor Information and Booking Details
Guests can register for the robodog guided tour via the Sentosa website: https://www.sentosa.com.sg/en/robodog/, Sentosa Ticketing Counters, as well as the Sentosa WeChat Mini Programme.
Guided tours are available at 3.00pm and 5.00pm daily. Each tour lasts approximately 20 minutes, with 5 robodogs deployed each session.
Dance performances will happen at 2.00pm, 4.00pm, and 5.45pm. The performance lasts approximately 5 minutes.
Meet-and-Greet sessions will take place at 2.05pm and 4.05pm, and last approximately 25 minutes.
Visit the Mandai Wildlife Group website for more information on Exploria and Curiosity Cove.
About the Singapore Tourism Board
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions.
More: www.stb.gov.sg or www.visitsingapore.com | Follow us: STB LinkedIn, STB Facebookor STB Instagram
About Sentosa
Sentosa, where discovery never ends, is Asia’s leading leisure destination and Singapore’s premier island resort getaway, located within 15 minutes from the central business and shopping districts. The island resort is managed by Sentosa Development Corporation, which works with various stakeholders in overseeing property investments, attractions development, and operation of the various leisure offerings and management of the residential precinct on the island.
The 500-hectare island resort is home to an exciting array of themed attractions, award-winning spa retreats, lush rainforests, golden sandy beaches, resort accommodations, world-renowned golf courses, a deep-water yachting marina and luxurious residences – making Sentosa a vibrant island resort for business and leisure. Sentosa is also home to Singapore’s first integrated resort, Resorts World Sentosa, which operates Southeast Asia’s first Universal Studios theme park.
Situated on the eastern end of Sentosa Island is Sentosa Cove, an exclusive waterfront residential enclave bustling with more than 2,000 homes, quayside restaurants, retail and specialty shops. The island is also proud to be home to Sentosa Golf Club and its two acclaimed golf courses, The Serapong and The Tanjong. Sentosa Golf Club has hosted a number of high-profile professional and amateur tournaments, including the Singapore Open and HSBC Women’s World Championship, welcoming international star players and world-class golf professionals from across the world.
Welcoming a growing number of local and international guests every year, Sentosa is an integral part of Singapore’s goal to be a global destination to work, live and play. For more information, please visit: www.sentosa.com.sg.
About Sentosa Development Corporation
Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) was established on 1 September 1972 as a Statutory Board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry. As a master planner, its charter since inception has been to oversee the development, management, marketing and promotion of the island of Sentosa as a resort destination for locals and tourists.
SDC wholly owns its subsidiaries Sentosa Cove Resort Management Pte Ltd and Sentosa Golf Club. SDC also owns the Singapore Cable Car Sky Network, managed by Mount Faber Leisure Group Pte Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary which operates as an autonomous commercial arm.
As a testament to its commitment to sustainability, SDC has been conferred the Global Sustainable Tourism Council – For Destinations (GSTC-D) certificate, making Sentosa the first island destination in Asia to receive this accolade.
About Mandai Wildlife Group
Mandai Wildlife Group is dedicated to caring for the planet and protecting animals and nature. Conservation education is intrinsic in all interactions with the Group, to inspire action for a healthier world.
Mandai Wildlife Group is the steward of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, a world-leading wildlife and nature destination located in northern Singapore. The precinct is home to five world-renowned wildlife parks, each offering distinct experiences and unique ways to connect with the fascinating world of wildlife. Visitors can also enjoy immersive nature-inspired indoor attractions, green public spaces and accommodation options, including campsites and Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree.
Mandai Wildlife Group advocates for biodiversity, contributes to leading wildlife research, develops innovative solutions for sustainable living, and collaborates with conservation partners in Singapore and Southeast Asia.
The Group provides funding and in-kind support to its conservation arm, Mandai Nature, for conservation work across Southeast Asia and impacting over 50 threatened species. Mandai X, an entity that is part of the Group, is the growth accelerator and venture-building arm that sparks, catalyses and accelerates innovative ventures in new domains that drive growth and impact at scale.
More information can be found at www.mandai.com
Media Contacts
Sentosa Development Corporation
Strategic Communications & Public Relations