The California-based robotics firm posted footage of a humanoid folding six towels, completing each one 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, highlighting the need to develop indigenous knowledge and technological capabilities in Pakistan.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the ‘Indus RAS – Robotics and Autonomous Systems Exhibition 2026’, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan must embrace the technological revolution while ensuring that its benefits reach all segments of the society.
“Let our universities, R&D centres, startups, industries and farmers be part of a national innovation ecosystem, ensuring that the knowledge behind these technologies is indigenous, home-grown and continually advanced in Pakistan,” he said.
The prime minister emphasized that the robotics and autonomous systems revolution should not be limited to advanced economies, large corporations 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 across Pakistan and the Global South.
Highlighting the rapid advancement 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 his responsibility also grows simultaneously.
“We must establish clear regulatory and ethical frameworks to ensure that autonomous systems are safe, 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 implemented in a responsible and inclusive manner for sustainable national progress.
The ceremony was attended by Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, experts, industrialists, businessmen, foreign delegates, brands, companies and students.
