National Centre for Artificial Intelligence at NED Karachi have developed Pakistan’s first AI-powered driverless car.
Pakistan has taken a marvelous step into the future of smart mobility as engineers at the NED University of Engineering and Technology successfully tested the country’s first AI-powered driverless car.
The trial run, conducted on the university’s internal roads, attracted wide attention from students, faculty members, and visitors, marking a milestone in Pakistan’s journey toward advanced engineering and artificial intelligence.
A Homegrown Innovation developed by NCAI At NED
The autonomous vehicle was developed by the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI) at NED after nearly a year of continuous research, testing, and system integration.
Instead of building a vehicle from scratch, the team played a major role in transforming a China-imported electric car into a self-driving platform. This approach allowed engineers to emphasize embedding
- artificial intelligence
- robotics
- digital mapping
- advanced sensor technologies into an existing vehicle framework
First AI-Powered Driverless Car from Concept to Reality
According to Dr Muhammad Khurram, Director of NCAI and head of the project team, the car has now reached a mature testing stage. He explained that the engineers successfully developed an autonomous steering mechanism using radar systems and computer vision, enabling the car to navigate roads without human intervention.
The team is currently refining more complex capabilities, including
- Object detection
- Lane recognition
- Speed-limit identification
- Traffic signal interpretation
These features are highly vital for adapting autonomous technology to real-world urban environments, particularly in countries like Pakistan, where road conditions are often bad and unpredictable.
Designed for Local Roads
At present, the vehicle operates at speeds between 15 and 20 kilometres per hour and can independently make turns while assessing oncoming traffic. Team member Inzamam Khan highlighted that the system has been specifically trained to manage Pakistan’s challenging road conditions, such as
- Potholes
- Uneven surfaces
- Inconsistent markings
High-resolution sensors and vision systems are permitting the car to detect obstacles and adjust its movement accordingly.
Read more: University students develop AI-powered robotic weapon with a laser gun
Institutional Support and Future Potential
The project was initiated during the tenure of former vice chancellor Dr Saroosh Hashmat Lodhi and gained strong momentum under the leadership of current Vice Chancellor Dr Tufail Ahmed. Their institutional support played a major role in translating academic research into a practical technological achievement.
While still in its early stages, the successful test of Pakistan’s first driverless car is signaling a major leap forward in local innovation. It demonstrates that Pakistani engineers are capable of developing cutting-edge AI solutions tailored to
- Domestic needs
- Opening doors to future applications in smart transport
- Safety systems
- Sustainable urban mobility
The introduction of self-driving cars by NED University students will have several significant impacts on Pakistan’s automotive industry:
Innovation and Technological Advancement:
This project could position Pakistan as a player in the global autonomous vehicle market, encouraging further research and development in AI and robotics.
New Business Models:
The rise of autonomous vehicles (AVs) could lead to new business models, such as mobility-as-a-service (MaaS), where people use shared, self-driving cars instead of owning private vehicles.
Job Creation:
Developing and maintaining AV technology will create new job opportunities in fields like software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity.
Safety Improvements:
AVs have the potential to reduce traffic accidents caused by human error, leading to safer roads and potentially lower insurance costs.
Environmental Benefits:
Self-driving cars can optimize driving patterns, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Additionally, the shift towards electric AVs can further decrease the environmental impact.
This initiative could be a game-changer for Pakistan’s automotive industry, fostering innovation and economic growth.