An AI-supported social humanoid robot named "Moria" has been developed by academics at Bursa Technical University (BTÜ). As a first in Türkiye's academic field, the robot currently performs functions such as communicating with humans, answering questions, and recognizing faces and individuals.

The AI-supported humanoid social robot project was initiated at the Bursa Technical University Robot Technologies and Intelligent Systems Application and Research Center. The robot was developed by project leader Dr. Nurettin Gökhan Adar and assistant researcher Dr. Mustafa Özden from the Mechatronics Engineering Department. A team of undergraduate and graduate students from the Mechatronics, Electrical-Electronics, and Mechanical Engineering departments was formed for the design, manufacturing, and software work packages of the robot. The project, which began in February, marks a first in Türkiye's academic field. The AI-supported social mobile humanoid robot was also presented to the President of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar. The robot's design, manufacturing, and software are all completed within BTÜ.

Phase 1 Development Completed

The "Moria" robot, which has completed Phase 1 studies, is currently capable of important functions such as communicating with humans, answering questions, facial recognition, person recognition, and face tracking. These features, enabled by artificial intelligence technology, allow the robot to communicate more effectively in social environments. Additionally, graduate and doctoral students have the opportunity to conduct various theses, projects, and research on the robot, allowing them to both apply their theoretical knowledge practically and develop innovative solutions in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence.

The Use of Social Robots Will Expand

Project Leader Dr. Nurettin Gökhan Adar provided information about the AI-supported social mobile humanoid robot, stating, “At every stage of our project, we have showcased the competence and engineering power of BTÜ, designated by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) as a university specializing in ‘Robots and Intelligent Systems.’ The robot, which is the output of this project, is equipped with artificial intelligence support. This has enabled it to communicate with humans more naturally and effectively. As a pioneering academic development in Türkiye, the robot is considered a significant step in the field of engineering. It holds great potential for the expansion of social robots' areas of use in the future.”