Industry and Technology Minister Mustafa Varank attended the final day of the Robotaksi-Passenger Autonomous Vehicle Competition in Informatics Valley, Turkey's technology and innovation base. Industry and Technology Minister Varank, who examined the self-driving vehicles developed by the students, gave the start of the breathtaking last day struggle.
Minister Varank emphasized the importance of young people in his evaluation and said, “If Turkey is going to write a success story in autonomous vehicle technology, which I believe wholeheartedly, it will be thanks to these young people. They will build the Turkey of the future.” said.
During his visit, Deputy Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır, TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal and General Manager of Informatics Valley Serdar İbrahimcioğlu accompanied him.
Conversing with university students about their work, Varank used the tools developed by Karaelmas Robotaksi and Hayal Otonomi teams. Varank, who signed the team jerseys, then gave the start of the race on the last day.
Afterwards, Varank made an evaluation; Stating that they are trying to open the horizons of young people with TÜBİTAK, Bilişim Vadisi and TEKNOFEST, “We are trying to help them realize their imaginations. When we see the enthusiasm and effort of our young people and that they are dealing with such high-tech algorithms, we are both proud and safe for our country.” said.
Noting that young people will build the Turkey of the future, Varank said, “TEKNOFEST is actually a festival. In other words, this event, where Turkey's domestic and national products will be seen by both our children, young people and their families, and aviation shows will be held, will take place at Istanbul Atatürk Airport on September 21-26. We are waiting for all of Turkey to that festival. Let them come and witness what Turkey has accomplished.” he said.
Expressing that the effort of the youth cannot be described in words, Varank said, “Here we are giving a chance to our young people who have enthusiasm and excitement and who have talent in the fields of science, technology and engineering. Our young people here will achieve great success in the future. If Turkey is going to write a success story in autonomous vehicle technology, which I strongly believe, it will be thanks to these young people.” used the phrases.
During his examinations, Minister Varank chatted with a student named Beste Kemaloğlu from Kocaeli University. After Beste stated that he participated in the competition in 2019, Minister Varank said, "Aren't the algorithms better?" posed the question. On the "better" response, Varank said, "They only had a parking problem, I hope they will fix it as well. If I walk behind, maybe we will succeed.” said.
Yeditepe University brought their dear friend Mars to the competition as part of their team. Minister Varank was interested in Mars for a while, with "Contestant" written on his name badge.
Varank used the 1992 model Serçe brand vehicle, which Karaelmas team from Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University made autonomous. When the students asked him to sign the vehicle, Minister Varank said, "You have little room for me." he made his joke. Varank's "How much did you buy the sparrow, scrap?" on the question, the team captain said, “3 thousand dear minister. We converted it from scrap to electric.” said.
Varank also chatted with the Bilişim Vadisi team, which hosted the organization. The minister said, "What was the result?" On the question of "Informatics Valley won" from the team, it caused laughter.
Organized as part of the world's largest Aviation, Space and Technology Festival TEKNOFEST, the Robotaxi-Passenger Autonomous Vehicle Competition witnessed the tough struggle of 36 teams. Young talents showed their skills in the races held in Bilişim Vadisi on 13-17 September.
The Robotaksi competition, which was held for the fourth time this year, aims to develop the autonomous driving algorithms of young people. High school, associate degree, undergraduate, graduate students, graduates; You can participate individually or as a team. This year, teams are expected to perform various tasks autonomously in a real track environment in the races run in the categories of original vehicles and ready-made vehicles.
The teams demonstrate their autonomous driving performances on a track that reflects the urban traffic situation. In the competition, teams that fulfill the duties of picking up passengers, dropping passengers, reaching the parking area, parking and following the correct route in accordance with the rules are considered successful.
Be the first to comment