24.11.2025
The Mechanical Form of Intelligence: A Deep-Rooted Beginning
The foundations of robotic thinking in the Turkic world were laid by the great engineer Al-Cezeri, who lived in the 12th century. Born in Diyarbakır, Cezeri developed water clocks, automatic door systems, and programmable mechanisms that pushed the boundaries of mechanical intelligence. He was not only a technical genius but also a visionary who continues to inspire today’s robotics engineers. His drawings and machine designs still stand among the most significant works in the history of engineering.
The mechanical logic Cezeri introduced represents early examples of the concept of “automation,” which is considered the basis of how modern robots operate.
A Silent Revolution: Turkish Signature Developing With Software
Mechanical heritage of Cezeri has merged with digitalization over time. Since the 1990's as the software industry in Turkiye has grown stronger, robotic studies have also gained momentum.
Invisible Heroes: The Anatomy of Robots
A robot’s function cannot be explained by its appearance alone. Inside, processors, cables, sensors, motors, and actuators work together to form a complete system.
As visitors can observe in the Istanbul Robot Museum, the anatomy of a robot bears a striking resemblance to the human body:
-
The processor acts as the robot’s brain.
-
Cameras and sensors function like the eyes and sense of touch.
-
Motors and actuators serve as muscles, enabling movement.
Behind a robot’s facial expression or a simple hand movement, there are hundreds of lines of code and precise engineering. This hidden structure is what truly creates the magic of robotic technology.
The Blurring Line Between Humans and Robots
In today’s world, robots are not just machines that run programs; they are entities capable of communicating, responding, and engaging in social interaction. The experiences visitors have with social robots at the Istanbul Robot Museum show that this boundary is becoming increasingly thin. People often find themselves surprised by a robot—smiling at it, reacting to it, or even starting a conversation.
While artificial intelligence can produce systems that analyze emotional data, empathy remains a uniquely human ability. Even so, these interactions signal that the harmony between humans and robots will continue to strengthen in the future.
The Future of Digital Heritage
Today, humanoid robots such as ADA, ARAT, and other social robots developed in Konya represent the tangible continuation of an 800-year journey from Cezeri’s mechanical servants to today’s AI-powered machines.
Robotics is no longer a distant future for the Turkic world—it is a digital evolution rooted in deep historical foundations.