A new idea: Robots for raising living standards

Robotics Expo concludes at Information Technology University

LAHORE: Various types of robots and prototypes were showcased at the Information Technology University (ITU) on Saturday during its fourth Robotics Expo at the Arfa Software Technology Park.

Vice Chancellor Umar Saif chaired the closing ceremony of the expo. Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) Chairperson Dr Nizamuddin was the chief guest. Other guests included cricketers Muhammad Irfan and Muhammad Rizwan and CEOs of various companies. The event was attended by faculty members and rectors of the NUST, the LUMS and the FAST University.

The ITU students had designed 15 robot prototypes.



Saif said, “Robots have revolutionised the 21st century much like computers had revolutionised the 20th century. These are now found almost everywhere and play an important role in our daily lives.” He said Pakistan had lagged behind in this technological terms. “That is not the case anymore. ITU undergraduate students are striving to change the situation.”

Talha Rehmani, leader of robotics programme at the ITU, said, “Robotics is poised to become a $70 billion industry by 2025. Our goal is to lead Pakistan into the global revolution of robotics. It has been a great experience to see our undergraduate students pushing through the challenges.”

The showcased projects included Bazooka, a drone designed to break reinforced tempered double-glazed glass and deliver life saving equipment to people trapped in high-rise buildings in the event of a fire or natural disaster.

Portable Ventilator, a life-saving, low-cost ventilator with adult and infant modes was also showcased. The idea is to address shortages of ventilators in hospitals across Pakistan. Infusion Pump is a medical product that ensures safety against injectable medicines overdose.

Aladdin, another project, controls drones with lights and other devices.



The highlight of the event was an 11-year-old programming prodigy, Muhammad Raza, who is working as research assistant with Talha Rehmani. He has designed and implemented a vision-based system that identifies and matches facial features of people using computer-vision techniques.

Nizamuddin praised ITU students for their efforts in the field of robotics. He said the PHEC had started funding research projects and innovations focusing on local issues. “Progress in applied research is needed in developing countries like Pakistan,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 5^th, 2016.