The California-based robotics firm released footage of humanoid folding six towels, completing each in around 22 seconds. PHOTO: CNET
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday urged all stakeholders to become part of a unified national innovation ecosystem, stressing the need to develop indigenous knowledge and technological capabilities in Pakistan.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the “Indus RAS – Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo 2026”, the prime minister said Pakistan must embrace the technological revolution while ensuring that its benefits reach every segment of society.
“Let our universities, research and development centres, startups, industries, and farmers become part of one national innovation ecosystem, ensuring that the knowledge behind these technologies is indigenous, owned, and continuously advanced in Pakistan,” he said.
The prime minister emphasised that the robotics and autonomous systems revolution should not remain confined to advanced economies, large corporations or major cities.
Instead, he said, it should become a catalyst for inclusive growth by improving the lives of farmers, small businesses, women entrepreneurs, young innovators, and underserved communities across Pakistan and the Global South.
Highlighting the rapid advancement of emerging technologies, the prime minister said their increasing power also placed greater responsibility on governments and stakeholders.
As these technologies become more powerful, the prime minister said their responsibility also grew simultaneously.
“We must establish clear regulatory and ethical frameworks to ensure autonomous systems are safe, secure, transparent, and always used for the benefit of mankind,” he said.
The prime minister reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting innovation and technological development while ensuring that emerging technologies are deployed responsibly and inclusively for sustainable national progress.
The ceremony was attended by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, experts, industrialists, entrepreneurs, foreign delegates, brands, companies and students.
