According to Rosina Howe-Teo, group director & chief innovation officer, innovation & infocomm technology, LTA, such scenarios have every possibility of coming to pass in the near future.

"It's a question of how to apply the technology in a real-life environment, and what pitfalls and problems could surface. That is what we need to iron out," said Howe-Teo.

She hinted that more partners such as academic institutions are expected to join the research collaboration. "There is potential for construction innovation, engineering methods, and even policy formulation," she said.