Self-routing autonomous robots by IUE engineers

An autonomous robot that can re-route using artificial intelligence, when it encounters an obstacle, has been developed with the project carried out at Izmir University of Economics (IUE). Autonomous vehicle prototype was produced after approximately 2 years of work as part of the "Design and Development of a Device for Finding Location, Mapping and Route Planning for Autonomous Ground Vehicles Used in Indoors" project supported by TUBITAK.

Project consultant Asst. Prof. Pınar Oğuz Ekim, Lecturer at IUE Faculty of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Department of  Mechatronics Engineering, said that the developed prototype would turn into the final product in the coming years. Stating that the robot can be used in many areas from education to industry, from shopping malls to hospitals, Ekim said, "This is in fact an interactive advertising, information and guidance robot. We want to focus on the solutions of robot-human interaction with artificial intelligence with the help of this robot." Explaining that the vehicle can move autonomously, Ekim also stated that the map of the area was also drawn with the application developed with the vehicle.

"It can decide for itself"

Ekim explained the difference of the vehicle they developed from their counterparts with the following words:

"When we talk about autonomy, more self-moving, smarter devices stand out. But when we look at it, such robots generally follow a line or stop when they see an obstacle. This robot we have developed draws a new route for itself whenever an obstacle arises. It can decide for itself. It literally compensates the word autonomous."

Pointing out that after the epidemic, people turned to a long-distance lifestyle, Ekim said, "However, we will have robots in our lives or applications that will be supported by robots. Our prediction is that these robots can be used in all areas. Our first goal is to be towards service robots. They can be used as auxiliary staff in airports, hospitals, shopping malls. We want to go more towards smart applications."