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New version of contactless immigration clearance system being trialled at Woodlands Checkpoint


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woodlands-contactless-clearance-.png

https://mothership.sg/2022/07/woodlands-checkpoint-contactless-clearance/

Those driving into Singapore via the Woodlands Checkpoint can try the new Automated Passenger In-Car Clearance System (APICS) that began on Jun. 21 and will end in October.

The system allows travellers to enter the country through a contactless immigration clearance by scanning their passport, and facial and iris biometrics at the checkpoint.

How does it work?

This CNA video breaks down how the machine works.

 

Since the program is still under trial, an Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer will be at the APICS to note the number of passengers in the car.

Once the gantry is opened, the car can drive forward and stop at a self-help kiosk.

The kiosk has an LCD touch display with a passport scanner, biometric scanner, fingerprint scanner and intercom.

The driver has to confirm the number of people in the car and the license plate number, then scan the passengers' passports.

The system will prompt the driver and passengers to simultaneously do their facial and iris biometrics scans to confirm their identities.

There are four points, one for each of the car's windows, for all passengers to scan their face and iris to complete their immigration clearance.

APICS will detect what type of car is at the kiosk and the height of the kiosk will adjust itself accordingly.

According to The Straits Times, it takes about five minutes to clear immigration.

According to ST, another feature of APICS is that it has an exhaust fan that removes fumes that may build up as passengers clear immigration.

There are also flexible traffic poles to guide drivers entering the clearance area.

Trial going well

According to CNA, the trial is only being conducted at the checkpoint on weekday nights and only cars with a maximum of four people, aged six and above will be selected to trial the new system.

Nonetheless, the system, developed by the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX), is doing well.

Cheng Wee Kiang, director of HTX's Robotics, Automation and Unmanned Systems Centre of Expertise, said that the overall feedback received for the system has been positive, CNA reported.

Those who pass through the checks have been asked for their feedback which will allow HTX to further improve APICS.

The time taken for clearance is also recorded by ICA.

This is the second version of the APICS developed by HTX. The first one, trialled in December 2017, required passengers to scan their fingerprints on a biometric device via an extended robotic arm.

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build in scanner 

 

can ensure 3/4 tank

 

contraband items and drug or cash mules 

 

contribution to nation building

 

🙈🙉🙊

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1 minute ago, Soya said:

Juz need 1 blur sotong to create the mother of all jams on that lane

 

It will be like the supermarket self-help kiosk. One staff man many kiosk. Basically to cut down on manpower.

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3 hours ago, Inlinefour said:

build in scanner 

 

can ensure 3/4 tank

 

contraband items and drug or cash mules 

 

contribution to nation building

 

🙈🙉🙊

U never know how well equip the camera is. 🤣

51b1abba85c756ddf6eb85742a502758&f=1&nof

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Supersonic
31 minutes ago, Watwheels said:

It will be like the supermarket self-help kiosk. One staff man many kiosk. Basically to cut down on manpower.

And 5 people per kiosk to maintain. 🤣

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42 minutes ago, kobayashiGT said:

U never know how well equip the camera is. 🤣

51b1abba85c756ddf6eb85742a502758&f=1&nof

this is X-ray 🩻 

 

errr…I mean can scan inside one 😆😆😆

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Supercharged

If got 4 passengers, the one in the middle of the back row how to scan? Sit on top of the one either left or right? Waiting for the 1st person to panic and crash through the barrier like some do when they go through carpark gantry. 

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16 hours ago, Daniu82 said:

If got 4 passengers, the one in the middle of the back row how to scan? Sit on top of the one either left or right? Waiting for the 1st person to panic and crash through the barrier like some do when they go through carpark gantry. 

Don't think so uncivilized of us! hahaha. We sinkie are very law by law person one okay! 

We ownself check ownself one. This machine can lah. 🤣

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21 hours ago, Daniu82 said:

If got 4 passengers, the one in the middle of the back row how to scan? Sit on top of the one either left or right? Waiting for the 1st person to panic and crash through the barrier like some do when they go through carpark gantry. 

How about those 6 passengers? Lol

 

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Waste of money and time. 

If the machine hangs while scanning passport? Press button for operator, end up waiting even longer for operator to arrive :D

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On 7/4/2022 at 2:34 PM, Soya said:

Juz need 1 blur sotong to create the mother of all jams on that lane

 

You mean this type?

291708435_5247941645300510_3780033436120

 

 

 

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2 hours ago, Beehive3783 said:

Waste of money and time. 

If the machine hangs while scanning passport? Press button for operator, end up waiting even longer for operator to arrive :D

Motorcycle lane is almost automated clearance.

Lastly, no one want to work at these CIQ. How?

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16 hours ago, inlinesix said:

Motorcycle lane is almost automated clearance.

Lastly, no one want to work at these CIQ. How?

If the pay offered is not worth the job, who would want to work there?

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The concept of contactless immigration clearance using passport, facial, and iris biometrics is impressive. It's great to know that the trial is going well and that the HTX is actively seeking feedback to improve the system further. Incorporating features like the exhaust fan to remove fumes and flexible traffic poles for guidance shows that they're thinking about the overall experience. If you ever need documents apostilled or require assistance with immigration-related paperwork, you might want to check out this helpful service: https://apostillelondon.com/e-apostille-service/

Edited by Azkabanus
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