The 4th STEM Robotics and AI Workshop under the Partnership in Equality (PIE) for UK-Pakistan Women in Robotics & AI, funded by the British Council, was successfully conducted on 11th June 2024 at the Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF). Hosted in the Video Conferencing Room of Yousaf Block, Main Campus, this workshop marked the fourth in a series of initiatives aimed at promoting STEM, robotics, and AI through PIE.
The event was organized in collaboration with Cardiff Metropolitan University, Wales, UK, the MCS, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, and GCUF. It was led by prominent PIE team members, including Dr. Shadan Khan Khattak, Dr. Chow Siing Sia, Dr. Farkhanda Afzal, and Ms. Uzma Ehsan, who received a warm welcome from Dr. Sofia Anwar, Chairperson of the Department of Economics and the focal person for PIE at multiple universities.
Empowering Through Robotics and AI
The workshop aimed to empower participants with practical skills in AI and robotics, fostering their engagement in STEM fields. Designed for students, faculty, and support staff, the workshop emphasized accessibility, allowing participants to work with robots without requiring extensive technical knowledge. This approach created an inclusive platform for learning, collaboration, and innovation.
Highlights of the Workshop
Participants received hands-on training, enabling them to harness robotics and AI for professional growth. Dr. Sofia Anwar, who is deeply invested in robotics as a driver of economic transformation, highlighted the pivotal role of robotics in boosting productivity, generating jobs, fostering innovation, and enhancing efficiency across industries. She underscored the significant impact robotics can have on a country’s economic competitiveness and global prosperity.
The workshop’s significance was further emphasized by Vice Chancellor Dr. Nasir Amin, who lauded the Department of Economics for organizing the event. He stressed the importance of strategic robotics adoption for improving productivity, reducing costs, fostering innovation, and ensuring economic stability.
Closing Ceremony
The workshop concluded with a closing ceremony at the VC Secretariat, where Dr. Nasir Amin and Dr. Sofia Anwar presented souvenirs to the PIE team and distributed certificates to participants. This memorable event reinforced the importance of fostering innovation and collaboration in STEM, Robotics, and AI, paving the way for future advancements in the field.
This workshop serves as another milestone in the PIE initiative, further solidifying the commitment to empowering women and enhancing the role of robotics and AI in driving economic growth and technological progress.
