The California-based robotics company released images of a humanoid folding six napkins, completing each in about 22 seconds. PHOTO: CNET
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday urged all stakeholders to be part of a unified national innovation ecosystem, emphasizing the need to develop indigenous knowledge and technological capabilities in Pakistan.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of ‘Indus RAS – Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo 2026’, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan must embrace the technological revolution while ensuring that its benefits reach all segments of society.
“Let our universities, research and development centers, startups, industries and farmers be 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 stressed that the revolution in robotics and autonomous systems must not remain confined to advanced economies, large companies or big 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 in Pakistan and the Global South.
Highlighting the rapid progress of emerging technologies, the prime minister said their growing power also places greater responsibility on governments and stakeholders.
As these technologies become more powerful, the Prime Minister said their responsibility also grows.
“We need to establish clear regulatory and ethical frameworks to ensure that autonomous systems are safe, secure, transparent and always used for the benefit of humanity,” 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 Defense Force and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, experts, industrialists, entrepreneurs, foreign delegates, brands, corporates and students.
