National ( The cow news digital ) Students at the Institute of Business Management (IoBM) in Karachi have developed an innovative indoor navigation application designed to help users navigate complex multi-story buildings seamlessly without relying on active internet connectivity or conventional GPS.
The Augmented Reality (AR) mobile application, named “Pathverse AR,” was unveiled during IoBM’s annual technology showcase, “TechNova.” Organized under the department of Information Systems, the event brought together young innovators from over 35 universities nationwide, featuring 45 distinct technological solutions aimed at addressing real-world challenges.
Indoor navigation has long presented a challenge due to weak satellite signals that cause standard GPS systems to fail inside large structures. To solve this, Pathverse AR utilizes augmented reality and offline spatial mapping to provide step-by-step visual and voice-guided directions, leading users directly to their intended room, department, or office door.
Explaining the functionality of the system, project Vice President Muhammad Anas stated that the app calculates the shortest possible route to a designated target. He added that if a user strays from the designated path, the application instantly recalculates and suggests an updated route to ensure smooth guidance.
Event Director Khalid Mehboob emphasized the vital role of artificial intelligence and emerging immersive technologies in boosting educational and industrial productivity.
According to the student developer team, while the initial framework was built to assist visitors and new students across university campuses, future iterations will target larger public venues—including hospitals, shopping malls, and corporate office complexes—where indoor navigation remains a common hurdle.
