Turkey leads with high-tech devices at Teknofest

By Gozde Bayar

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey's largest technology and aerospace fair Teknofest, not only displays technological achievements, but also validates country’s march over other countries in producing vehicles and equipment indigenously.

More so, technological marvels have been produced using Turkey’s own national resources, said an expert, who visited the festival in Istanbul.

“Vehicles produced by Turkey in recent years have burst us with pride,” social media specialist Deniz Unay told Anadolu Agency.

Turkey’s technological progress is visible almost in every field, especially in the production of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). They have put the country a step ahead of other nations, Unay said.

Referring to Akinci, which is Turkey’s latest armed UAV, he said the country produces better UAVs than other advanced countries.

The Akinci with nearly 1.5 tons of load can fly at an operational altitude of 40,000 feet and stay in the air for 24 hours.

The Akinci is equipped with an electronic support pod, air-to-air radars, satellite communication system, barrier-identification radar, synthetic aperture radar, and meteorological radar.

Dubbed as "flying fish”, Akinci can also perform some tasks of warplanes like air bombardment.

The visitors at the Teknofest are lured by Turkey’s indigenously built flying car prototype called Cezeri, designed by drone maker Baykar.

The flying car is named after famous Muslim engineer Al Jazari, who lived between 1136-1206. With a load of one person, it can fly continuously for one hour.

The firm Baykar, established in 1984, produces armed and non-armed drones, control systems, simulators, and avionics systems.

There are many more technological advancements at display at the fair. Two bomb disposal robots, Ertugrul and Kaplan, advanced drone, Serce, battle tank Altay -- considered among the best in the world – are cynosure of all eyes.

Referring to the twin-engine helicopters used by Turkish police, Unay describes them unique, because of their communication technology and imaging mechanism.

“They are even better than the U.S. police helicopters,” he said, adding that Turkey was a leader in this field. The hardware and the software were developed indigenously.

- Teknofest is a great investment to future

The social media specialist said Teknofest is a great investment to future, as the latest gadgets and technology are impressing fresh minds and prepare them for future technologies and challenges.

Police and para-military Gendarmerie have made special arrangements for children. Their personnel tour around with children, guiding and replying their questions about various gadgets.

“Children are not only getting flying experiences, but are also informed about helicopters and flying machines,” Unay added.

He predicted that number of innovate devices will grow soon, as more youth are getting involved with Turkey’s developing technological initiative.

“One of the main aims of the festival is to introduce technology to kids which will make us hopeful for our future,” said Unay.

Teknofest exhibits the country’s rapid advances in technology and creates public awareness irrespective of ages. There are different levels of technology competitions, starting from primary school to university level.

Nearly 50,000 competitors representing 122 countries are competing in a range of 19 categories from aviation to automotive, from artificial intelligence to simulations, and from Underwater Autonomous Vehicles to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and more.

- Teknofest Istanbul

Istanbul Ataturk Airport is hosting the six-day festival, co-organized by the Turkish Technology Team Foundation and the Industry and Technology Ministry. Anadolu Agency is the festival’s global communications partner.

The festival hosts numerous activities such as aviation shows, seminars, workshops, drone championship, contests, and concerts.

Turkey’s internationally-competitive aviation teams, including the Turkish Parachute Team, Solo Turk, and the Turkish Stars took place in the aerial demonstrations.

Technology giants from the world over are wowing visitors to Teknofest.

Luminaries such as U.S.-based tech giants Google and Microsoft, Korea’s Samsung, and Russian aviation firm United Aircraft area attracting throngs of visitors.

Visitors to the festival, including students of all ages, are flocking to take part in tech company activities to experience augmented reality, coding, and digital technologies.

Last year’s premier festival, hosted by the new Istanbul Airport, was visited by over half a million people. This year, it is expected to double attendance, attracting a million domestic and international visitors.