In the coming years, we must become a society that produces technology rather than merely consuming it.
Robotics technologies began to gain traction in Türkiye in the 1990s. Since then, the scope and number of industrial robots—particularly in the automotive sector—have increased significantly.
Statistics indicate that Türkiye ranks among the world’s leading countries in terms of manufacturing infrastructure and capabilities. However, considering that more than 25 years have passed since the development of Türkiye’s first industrial robot, we should now be positioned at a much higher level globally. A closer analysis shows that while we have achieved certain capabilities in delivering end-user products, we remain heavily dependent on foreign sources for critical subcomponents, complementary products, and core technologies. This dependency positions Türkiye as a high-quality, cost-effective manufacturing base, yet often as an implementer rather than a developer in the global technology race.
Technology Is Designed in Türkiye
It is encouraging to see that highly capable Turkish engineers are designing advanced technology products and developing prototypes domestically. However, the reliance on imported core components—such as servo motors, drives, and precision gears—along with pricing determined by foreign manufacturers’ strategies and limited access to capital, remain significant challenges. Many promising initiatives struggle to commercialize and may disappear before reaching maturity. That said, there are also notable success stories that defy this trend.
In the automation sector, for example, the lack of domestic production in servo motors, pneumatic cylinders and valves, precision gears, bearings, electronic boards, and drive technologies—combined with competitiveness and scale-related cost challenges—directly affects the cost structure and global competitiveness of final products.
From Vision to Reality
Concepts once confined to science fiction—Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, electric and autonomous vehicles, and intelligent robots—have now become part of a new wave of industrial transformation driven by breakthrough technologies.
In the years ahead, Türkiye must position itself as a producer of these technologies, not merely a consumer. Doing so presents a significant opportunity for the country to establish a strong presence in global markets, particularly in robotics and advanced manufacturing. Achieving this requires more than individual or company-level initiatives; it calls for a comprehensive national technology strategy.
Investing in Human Capital
Equally critical is the development of qualified human capital in software, engineering, and design to support emerging industries. Strengthening collaboration between universities and industry will play a transformative role in shaping Türkiye’s future technological position.
A Türkiye that thinks, develops, produces, and generates high value-added technologies will not only enhance its global competitiveness but will also become an attractive hub for international investment and strategic partnerships.