Our Mission

Robotics is evolving from an exotic technology used in fenced-off areas of factories to a key technology expected to bring transformative change to all industries and markets around the world. Developments in robotics, which began in universities, are rapidly commercialising and being deployed in the field.

Autonomous vehicles based on robotics technology are transforming the automotive industry, warehouse carriers are transforming the logistics sector, robot arms that can work safely alongside humans are transforming the manufacturing sector, and unmanned systems capable of operating on the battlefield are forcing serious changes in the defence sector.

Center for Robotic and Artificial intelligence (ROMER) aims:

• to develop robotic technologies as a pioneer and to train a new generation of researchers capable of putting them into practice,
• to support research in robotics at both national and international levels,
• to advance such research to a higher level,
• to ensure the integration of robotic technologies into industrial production processes and develop products that utilise these technologies, and
• to develop unmanned and intelligent systems in line with the needs of the defence industry.

The ROMER brings together researchers from different disciplines in a common working environment, encourage them to work in large groups, provide them with the production and measurement workshops necessary for rapid prototyping, and provide indoor and outdoor arenas equipped with robot platforms and testing and recording devices, thus providing the technical and physical infrastructure necessary for both research and industrial prototyping projects.

ROMER's Three Axes of Operation

1. Research

ROMER aims to become a world-renowned center in robotics through the research conducted within its walls and supports the participation of Turkish universities, companies, and institutions in international robotics networks and projects. At the national level, it :

• support institutions in developing roadmaps and policies related to robotics technologies,
• initiate and support academic and industrial clusters,
• provide physical and technical infrastructure support to universities, companies, and institutions with infrastructure deficiencies.

2. Industry

ROMER support the development of:

• critical robotics technologies required for unmanned and intelligent defence systems,
• new generation robot technologies for integration into manufacturing processes.

The center offer rapid prototyping services, technical support, and collaboration opportunities for both large industries and SMEs wishing to work with robotics.

3. Education

ROMER trains the next generation of roboticists by:

• developing an integrated postgraduate robotics programme at METU,
• organising open robotics summer schools and activities at the undergraduate level,
• supporting STEM outreach and public engagement in robotics.

With its national and international research performance, proximity to the defence and manufacturing industries, and the quality of its education, students, and faculty members, ODTÜ/METU is the ideal institution to establish such a centre and elevate Turkey to the global level in this critical technology.