The laboratory is the first university laboratory in Turkey to integrate humanoid robotics, industrial robotics, and AI systems under a single research infrastructure
Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ) and Turkish conglomerate Aksoy Holding have inaugurated a new industrial robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) laboratory aimed at bridging the gap between academic research and commercial applications.
The Erdal Aksoy Industrial Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, located at ITU’s Ayazağa campus within the Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, is the first university laboratory in Turkey to integrate humanoid robotics, industrial robotics, and AI systems under a single research infrastructure.(By the way I have a story here about Istanbul)
University officials said the facility establishes a new collaborative model for university-industry cooperation in the region. The opening ceremony was attended by Aksoy Holding Founding Chairman Erdal Aksoy, CEO and Vice Chairman Batu Aksoy, Vice Chairwoman Banu Aksoy, alongside ITU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, and Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. İlhan Kocaarslan.
Designed to accommodate 15 researchers simultaneously, the center will focus primarily on practical applications for master’s and doctoral students. The facility features advanced hardware from global robotics and automation suppliers, including OMRON and Unitree.
Laboratory to focus on three core areas
Research operations at the laboratory will focus on three core areas: developing robotic systems to improve industrial efficiency and safety, conducting applied research in machine learning and AI, and designing autonomous systems capable of independent decision-making.
“To contribute to the creation of such a laboratory at Istanbul Technical University, from which I graduated in 1966, is deeply meaningful and a source of great pride for us,” Erdal Aksoy said during the inauguration. “In today’s global competition, the primary drivers of differentiation are advanced technology production, qualified human resources, and integration between universities and industry.”
Batu Aksoy, Erdal Aksoy and Banu Aksoy (from left)
University leadership emphasized that the initiative goes beyond traditional corporate sponsorship, framing it as an ecosystem for shared learning.
“We see this laboratory as an important research and production ecosystem where the technologies of the future will be developed,” ITU Rector Hasan Mandal said. “At ITU, we adopt a model of ‘doing business together’ that centers on co-learning and co-generation of value, rather than conventional university-industry cooperation.”
Prof. Dr. İlhan Kocaarslan, Dean of the Faculty, added that the facility represents a strategic step forward for Turkey’s technological infrastructure, serving as a tangible product of alumni support, corporate vision, and collective investment.
