A global shift in robotics and AI is underway, and Pakistan must keep pace

The global economy is undergoing a seismic technological shift. Robotics, automation, and AI are no longer futuristic ideas, they are now mainstream drivers of productivity, competitiveness, and innovation. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the industries worldwide deployed over 553,000 new industrial robots in 2023, marking a historic peak in automation demand. Meanwhile, global AI investment is projected to exceed $300 billion by 2026, as estimated by the International Data Corporation (IDC). The world is accelerating rapidly, but Pakistan risks being left behind unless decisive and strategic action is taken. Pakistan's current standing in global technological competitiveness reflects this urgent need. The World Intellectual Property Organisation's Global Innovation Index 2024 ranked Pakistan 88 out of 132 countries, trailing significantly behind regional peers such as India (40), China (12), and even Iran (62).