UOL Hosts National Submersible Autonomous Vehicle Design Competition 2026

The University of Lahore (UOL) hosted the first National Submersible Vehicle Competition 2026. The event brought together students from leading universities to showcase underwater robotics and engineering skills.Rear Admiral Sohail Ahmad Azmie attended the competition as chief guest. He serves as Commandant Pakistan Navy War College and Commander Central Punjab (COMCEP).The Integrated Engineering Centre of Excellence, Mechanical Engineering Department, and Mechanical Engineering Society jointly organised the event. Their collaboration created a platform for students to present innovative engineering solutions.

Students showcase underwater technology

Rear Admiral Sohail Ahmad Azmie praised the initiative and its young participants. He said young engineers could help advance deep-water engineering and robotics in Pakistan.He also highlighted their potential to develop solutions for emerging defence challenges. According to him, these skills could strengthen national defence capabilities.

The chief guest reviewed several underwater autonomous vehicle designs. He also watched live demonstrations in the university swimming pool.Furthermore, he examined thematic briefs that explained each project’s main concept. The demonstrations allowed teams to show the practical potential of their designs.Fourteen teams participated in the national competition. The participants represented leading institutions, including the Institute of Space Technology, NUST, UET Taxila, Punjab University, and UOL.

Punjab University team takes first place

The event also featured a Stakeholders’ Forum with experts from several organisations. Representatives came from Pakistan Navy War College, SUPARCO, PTA, and the Punjab Irrigation Department.Experts from the Punjab Environmental Protection and Climate Change Department, Pakistan Meteorological Department, and LUMS-WIT also attended. The forum encouraged discussion about underwater technology and its future applications.

Punjab University secured first position in the competition. Team Hydronaut from NUST School of Mechanical Engineering won second place.Meanwhile, Team Mistry Phantoms from UET Taxila’s Mechanical Engineering Department secured third position. The chief guest presented prizes and certificates to the winning teams and participants.The organisers later exchanged souvenirs with distinguished guests. They also took a group photograph to mark the successful conclusion of the competition.