The Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), through its CHISEL Lab, has entered into a strategic research and development collaboration with Allied Bank to explore the potential of robotics and Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) in transforming banking experiences.
The agreement was signed by Mr. Muhammad Zaman, Group Head, Digital Transformation & Innovation, Allied Bank, and Dr. Suleman Shahid, Associate Professor and Director, CHISEL Lab at LUMS, in the presence of representatives from both institutions.
Under this collaboration, a Pepper Robot has been deployed at CHISEL Lab as a dedicated research platform to support experimentation and co-development of robotics-driven applications in the banking sector. The research will focus on customer interaction, service delivery, and assistive banking environments. Selected solutions developed under this initiative will be evaluated in real-world settings, including Allied Bank Digital Lounges, to assess usability, scalability, and customer adoption.
A Joint Innovation Steering Group will oversee the initiative, with expected outcomes including functional prototypes, pilot insights, potential joint publications, and further strengthening the bridge between academia and industry.
“Partnering with Allied Bank enables us to translate cutting-edge research into real-world impact. This collaboration will accelerate innovation in human-robot interaction and open new avenues for intelligent, human-centric service design,” shared Dr. Suleman Shahid.
“This collaboration reflects Allied Bank’s commitment to shaping the future of banking through emerging technologies. By leveraging robotics and human-robot interaction, we aim to deliver more intuitive, efficient, and personalized customer experiences, ” commented Mr. Muhammad Zaman.