Pakistan’s Nexa Robots Eyes Deeper China Ties in Service Robot Push
Pakistan’s Nexa Robots is strengthening its collaboration with Chinese technology and manufacturing partners as it develops local capabilities in software, artificial intelligence, and systems integration for service robots, its founder and CEO, H.M. Hafeez, has stated.
Key Takeaways:
- Technology Cooperation: Hafeez emphasized the need for deeper technology cooperation, access to key components, and support for localizing solutions tailored to the Pakistani market.
- Joint Product Development: He called for joint product development with Chinese tech partners, suggesting that investment or strategic financing could aid the company’s expansion and enable leasing or service-based payment models for customers.
- Market Potential: These remarks come ahead of the World Robot Conference 2026 in Beijing, where an expo is expected to showcase robot applications in catering, retail, healthcare, and logistics.
Local Partnerships and Deployments:
- Product Distribution: Nexa Robots distributes products from Shenzhen-based Pudu Robotics in
Pakistan
. - Pilot Projects: One notable early deployment is at Minhaj University Lahore (MUL), where service robots from Nexa were introduced in 2023 for admissions and library services.
- Paid Deployments: According to Hafeez, Nexa has moved beyond demonstrations and pilot projects to paid deployments with select customers in hospitality, education, and other service sectors.
Market Challenges:
- Early Stage: Hafeez noted that the market remains in its infancy, with low labor costs, economic uncertainty, and reluctance to commit capital as barriers to adoption.
- Robot Requirements: Businesses considering automation need trained staff, maintenance, software integration, and reliable local support to ensure robots function effectively in their specific environments.
- Payback Periods: Hafeez estimated that a restaurant or hotel using a robot intensively might target a one-to-two-year payback period, while less intensive use could extend the payback period.
Localization Efforts:
- Early Localization: Nexa Robots has begun early-stage localization work, focusing initially on software, AI, and systems integration in
Pakistan
, while sourcing key hardware and components from China. - Future Plans: Once a prototype is validated locally, initial production is expected to take place in China. Assembly and selected components could then be localized in
Pakistan
if volumes and costs make it economically viable.
