A group of students from Karachi is embarking on the development of Pakistan’s first-ever AI-powered driverless car. This ambitious project is being led by the National Center for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI) at NED University of Engineering and Technology, with the aim of revolutionizing the country’s transportation landscape. The initiative, which uses cutting-edge AI technology, is expected to position Pakistan on the map as one of the emerging nations in autonomous vehicle development.
According to the engineers and researchers involved in the project, this driverless car is the first of its kind in Pakistan. While autonomous vehicle technology is becoming increasingly common in other parts of the world, NED University’s initiative marks a major leap for Pakistan’s AI capabilities. No other educational institution or organization in the country is currently working on such a project, making this an unprecedented effort in the field of AI and robotics.
The project team, headed by Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Khurram, is confident that the vehicle will be ready for its first test drive within the next six months. The car, which has been specially imported from China, is being modified with the help of advanced AI tools and systems that will enable it to function autonomously on the roads. The team is focusing on integrating various essential AI-driven features, such as speed limit detection, object detection, and lane recognition. These features will ensure that the vehicle can safely navigate the roads without human intervention, a feat that could have significant implications for road safety, traffic management, and overall transportation efficiency.
Dr. Khurram, the project director, shared that the team has made considerable progress in areas like data control and software development. He expressed confidence that they would be ready for the first test drive on the NED University campus in six months. This development has sparked excitement and curiosity among students and faculty alike, as it not only demonstrates the capabilities of AI but also highlights the university’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technological innovation in Pakistan.
Two key research students involved in the project, Inzamam and Aleema, have been instrumental in integrating robotics technology alongside AI. Both have been actively working on the technical aspects of the car, including mapping and object detection using AI algorithms. Their work has already resulted in significant achievements, including the successful implementation of lane recognition and object detection. These features enable the vehicle to recognize objects and obstacles in its path, as well as to maintain its lane on the road. Currently, the team is focusing on refining other features such as traffic signal recognition and steering control, both of which are crucial for the car’s ability to drive autonomously.
The project has generated significant interest among both academia and industry experts, with many recognizing its potential to advance Pakistan’s position in the global AI and robotics arena. The NED University team is not only developing a car that can navigate the streets autonomously, but they are also laying the groundwork for future advancements in transportation, with AI playing an increasingly pivotal role in the development of smart cities and automated transport systems.
As the team moves forward with this ambitious project, there is a sense of pride and anticipation within the university. If successful, the AI-powered driverless car will not only serve as a technological marvel but could also lead to a shift in how transportation systems are designed and operated in Pakistan. This project will likely be an important milestone in the nation’s journey toward embracing the future of AI and robotics in everyday life.
