Punjab Information Technology University (ITU) students have developed 100 Robots to handle the everyday life problems of the people by ICT solutions. Soon the varsity will send its team to the International Robotic competition. Such activities, said Dr. Umar Saif, Vice Chancellor ITU while talking to the media on the 6th Robotics Expo, Machines of The Future: Robots, here on Saturday.

Yuriy Fedkiw, Consular General, US Consulate Lahore speaking as Chief Guest at the event, said that young talent looks for solutions to the problems of people. This innovation in science and technology can play a key role in Pakistan’s economy. The USA cooperating with Pakistan in science, technology, and knowledge economy through scholarships in American institutions and advanced training in various technological disciplines, he said.

Students of ITU developed 15 prototypes of the robot with the guidance of faculty, displayed at the 6th Robotics Expo to address the indigenous problems., Chief Selector Pakistan National Team, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mushtaq Ahmed, head coach of NCA have encouraged the work of ITU students. They said that Pakistani youth is in a position to be competitive against anyone in the world.

“Energy and passion among these students to work for their society and to serve the humanity confirmed that Pakistan has a brighter future”, said Talha Rehmani, a leader of robotics program ITU

Another project Rekhta, which brings Urdu word prediction and transliteration to finger-tips of the people. Muhammad Raza, a 12-year-old tech prodigy, inventor of Rekhta acknowledged as the Rock Star of the event. Ross – the Roboceptionist –is a robot working as a receptionist at Arfa Software Technology Park. It loves interacting with the people; mimic facial expressions in real time and give directions to people visiting Arfa tower. Payam, another robot on display in this event, can notify, efficiently, the rescue services and relatives of a victim of an accident of the car and location of the victim. Saliré, a robot assistant that can take the stairs and move small items from one place to another. Illumaphone helps people with congenital amusia – tone deafness especially kids. Vizo can improve interaction between people when attached with the spectacles. Rahbar gives real-time information about the location and arrival times of public transport, especially shuttles of metro buses.

CEOs and representatives from various companies, leading journalists, faculties and rectors of many prestigious universities including NUST, LUMS and FAST attended the expo.