NED engineers successfully test Pakistan’s first AI-powered driverless car

Equipped with advanced sensors, the car is capable of recognising traffic lights, lanes, potholes, and uneven roads

Engineers at the NED University of Engineering and Technology have successfully conducted the test of Pakistan’s first driverless car using artificial intelligence (AI). The autonomous vehicle was seen running smoothly on NED University roads, astonishing onlookers.

The development of the driverless car began nearly a year ago at the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence within the Department of Computer and Information Sciences at the NED University. The car, a China-imported electric vehicle, has been transformed into a self-driving machine using AI, robotics, mapping technologies, and advanced sensor and vision algorithms.

National Centre for Artificial Intelligence Director and head of the engineering team Dr Muhammad Khurram told The Express Tribune during the test event that the project has reached maturity after a year of dedicated work. “We are currently conducting road trials."

He further mentioned, "Using radar technology and computer vision, we have developed steering control and are now working on object detection, lane recognition, speed limit detection, and traffic signal recognition.”

The current speed algorithm of the car is limited to 15–20 km/h. The autonomous system includes turning functionality and traffic judgement for oncoming vehicles.

Team member Inzamam Khan stated that the vehicle is one of the few in the world capable of operating in Pakistan’s uncontrolled urban environment. “Our sensor technology is very strong, allowing the car to navigate potholes, uneven surfaces, and local infrastructure. High-resolution sensors ensure safety even in unpredictable conditions,” he explained.

This ambitious project was initiated during the tenure of former NED vice chancellor Dr Saroosh Hashmat Lodhi and has now achieved a significant milestone under the current Vice-Chancellor Dr Tufail Ahmed. This success marks a historic step for Pakistan in autonomous vehicle technology, highlighting the potential of local engineers and AI innovation in the country.